In this large landscape, one of my favorites, Dad succeeded in painting a marvelous tapestry of abstract color that also evokes the sand dunes of Cape Cod. Most wonderful is the turquoise high on the left that is obviously painted over/after what lies beneath it, and yet stands for a distant inlet of water. To the viewer, it is seemingly both close and far away, both floating above the picture plain and also obviously a flat stroke of paint.One of Dad's practices was to turn a painting over, and even on its side, to test the validity of the composition from all directions. It had to "work," as he put it. In my mind's eye, I can see him turning this painting and finding it good.
Mayo Sorgman was my uncle. I have such happy memories of visits to Uncle Mayo and his family in wonderful summer retreats such as Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and San Miguel, Mexico. Although I was intrigued by the freedom of the artist's life, I also noticed the self-discipline and constancy involved. Mayo set aside certain hours for his work and stuck to them. That was a good lesson for a future free-lance writer!
ReplyDeleteMy very last memory of Uncle Mayo is also vivid and beautiful. My sister and I visited his home on Cape Cod with our families. Before we left, Uncle Mayo expressed his desire for each of the great-nieces to choose one piece of artwork to take home. Aunt Ellie led us down to the studio--a treasure trove of art--and the 3 great-nieces carefully made their choices. What a thrill! It was a day to remember.