In My First Rodeo, a dominant red field collides with a dense horizontal band of black, creating a stage for a single, unrefined gesture that becomes the emotional core of the piece. Drawn in a gritty, ochre-toned line, the oval form feels immediate and uncorrected—part figure, part symbol, part impulse. Vertical drips within the shape suggest movement or hesitation, reinforcing the sense of action caught mid-thought.
The surface is heavily worked, with lava gel introducing a rugged, almost volcanic texture that gives the painting a tactile presence. Scrapes, embedded marks, and subtle color interruptions—like the small teal passage near the top—add layers of visual interest without disrupting the overall clarity of the composition.
There’s a tension here between control and release. The structured division of space contrasts with the raw, almost primitive central mark, echoing the experience of stepping into something new without full certainty. The title, My First Rodeo, leans into that idea—acknowledging both inexperience and the courage to engage anyway.
This piece speaks in a louder voice than some of your quieter works, but it still invites close inspection. The surface, the edges, and the subtle interruptions reveal a deeper conversation beneath the initial impact—one about risk, process, and the beauty of imperfection.
• 36x24x1.5 in.
• Acrylic paint and lava gel on canvas
