Sundial

13 in x 21 in

5/2026

My intention for this painting was to develop a picture to represent the warm glory of Summer. The design is organized around a central axis and uses radial symmetry suggestive of a dial or wheel. Repeated concentric bands and segmented arcs establish layers of depth, and movement is implied by pattern.  A tightly controlled palette of yellows, oranges, reds and gold suggest sunshine and warmth and invite the viewer to ponder good things about Summer such as spending time outdoors or relaxing with family on vacation.   Embedded accents of texture within many of the shapes give the painting complexity; having smooth flat fields beside thick impasto or metallic inclusions creates tactile contrasts that catch light differently across the surface, reinforcing the pervasive nature of sunshine.  I added plenty of Mandala dots and circles to the work, and to me they look like markers or time-measuring devices.  The geometry suggests a functional, almost instrument-like literacy, and the finished piece reminded me of an old-fashioned sundial.