Mr. Forager tends to roll his eyes and snicker when I settle in to watch an old Doris Day or Cary Grant flick. Yes, I’ll admit, sometimes the story lines are implausible and the acting a bit affected, but something about entering those make-believe worlds touches the part of me that longs for beauty and elegance and grace. The paintings of artist Jay Zerbe seem cloaked in the palette of those longed for days.
Shadows and Signs, acrylic and crayon on canvas, 36×48
There is something in his chalky palettes that remind me of the energy of the mid-twentieth century. The colors seem to be telling the story of young love, white gloves and big Cadillac tail fins.
Celery Soup, acrylic and crayon on canvas, 36×36
Ascension, acrylic and crayon on canvas, 36×36
But there is something underlying the nostalgic palettes. A subtle darkness and shadow, reminding us not everything bright and shiny is without its demons.
57 Bonneville, acrylic and crayon on canvas, 24×24
Paper Lantern, acrylic and crayon on canvas, 30×48
If you would like to check out more of Jay Zerbe‘s work, please visit his website.
All images are via the artist’s website.
