Escaping the Act

We all have days when we feel a little bit like the fellow in this picture, trying to juggle on a shaky pole with snakes and crocodiles waiting underneath for you in a flaming pit. Meanwhile, a group of uptight looking scientists take notes on your performance. Eyes cast to the exit, you see a nice, warm looking beach, ahh, how do I get there? The source of my inspiration for this painting is indicated on the cave wall, in primitive cave-painting style the T cell-receptor system (subject of my Ph.D.) is depicted. Yes, the comparison with my Ph.D. comprehensive exam (an oral examination that lasts for 4 hours), and this painting, are hard to avoid. This painting provides another good example on how to depict fire. The light from the flames is reflecting on the aligators back, the pit, and the three dudes standing near the pit. Notice the lab coat being worn by one of the judges has orange in the front, fading to blue in the back. There is also a second light source in this painting, the exterior blue sky, which reflects on the cave floor, and on the character on the pole. I wanted the light to emphasize the theme...the judges are connected to the fire (the stress), while the character is connected to the exterior (the escape), and the light-reflections described above reinforce this connection visually. also, the charcters eyes are looking at the exit, further making the point that he wants to get the hell out after he is done his act. 

Escaping the Act, watercolour 10 x 14" hot press, 2002 (No. 1342)