“Going to Town” ©Ruth Armitage, 2013 Acrylic on Paper 22×30″
As I paint this series, all kinds of memories of growing up come back to me. When I was little, the biggest event of the week was ‘going to town.’ On Sunday mornings, we would head seven miles down the road to the thriving metropolis of Albany, Oregon to go to church. If we were good, we would get to enjoy donuts and juice after mass. The other excitement was going to Safeway on our way home. Don’t ask me why I thought this was all exciting… I guess because we got to go somewhere. We were a bit isolated growing up!
As I painted this image, it went through radical transformations. Beneath the white areas you can still see some of the chaotic mark-making and textures. I like the title because of the dual meaning of ‘going to town’ which my dad always used to describe working hard or progress. I’m getting ready to deliver new work to the Riversea gallery in Astoria next week. I’m excited to see how this new one will look framed up!
Yes, I definitely think you are “going to town” with your acrylic abstracts! I’d love to see how you frame this. Can you post a pic?
Thanks Sue! I will try to get some photos before I take them to the gallery 🙂
That’s funny, as we also lived just outside of town, Colville WA…we lived in Arden. Tiny. A trip into town was fun, though the big deal for us was going into Spokane, and stopping at the Steer Inn for ice cream cones on the way home. I’m 52 now, and I still try to stop there whenever I am in Spokane!
As you know, I love this painting.
Thanks Margaret, and thanks for the good critique yesterday 🙂
Very nice!
Good one Ruth! Both rich and airy!
Thanks Randall 🙂