An Artist's Journal:Paintings by Felicia Marshall

6"x6" acrylic on masonite This particular carousel was at a carnal that I attended recently, but I do remember the first time I saw this style of carousel. I was in college and had taken a trip to the San Antonio Zoo during summer vacation. I thought the carousel was so beautiful and ornate that I took several photographs even then. This image was of the same model I’d seen so long ago, but this carousel was from a carnival here in Houston. I wanted to paint the carousel from a nontraditional way of interacting with or seeing a carousel.

6"x6" acrylic on masonite I couldn’t wait to get started on this painting. As an artist and a teacher I have learned and taught my students to stay away from the color yellow or at least use it with caution. That pretty little color will quickly turn into olive green when you mix it with black or any color that has black in it, knowing this, I was still up for the challenge when I began painting. It took longer than usual to finish this one, mainly because I got caught up in all of the details in the crowd and tents, but it was well worth it in the end. I love these bumble bees, the ride and the painting.

6x6 Acrylic on Masonite I am usually one to question our fascination with circuses, parades, and carnivals, but I have always been attracted to carousels. If you think about it, spending time going around in circles is usually something we try to avoid in life. Still here I find myself in love with the ornate animals and benches of a carousel. I was however disappointed with this carnival’s lack of attention to details. No nostalgic moments here. This carnival had been down graded to cheaper and cleaner plastic with no attention to details. I was left with the feeling of just having enough, none thing extra. Oh well that’s progress, I guess. On a more positive note I did get a a great day out with the family, a little bit of sun, and a great painting from this experience.