"Monarch"
Mixed Media Painting on Canvas
48" x 96" x 3"
"Monarch" is the latest painting produced by prolific abstract artist Melissa Ayr. Monarch represents the transition from somber funk to joyous exuberance. Melissa Ayr has always been inspired by Pablo Picasso and originally worked to produce an homage to Picasso with this large eight foot canvas. Underneath the many layers of paint on this painting is a sketch of Picasso's 'Guernica' done in purple soft chalk pastel. The spirit of Picasso was present.
While inspired by Picasso, Melissa's mood was more focused on the free flowing energy of the music she heard in her studio. During the painting of this piece Melissa was listening to Black Eye Peas and was dancing to "Imma Be" at her peak of inspiration. Her painting transformed from 'Guernica' to 'Monarch' and drove forward an extension of Melissa's unique colorful style.
This painting employs several techniques and media. While keeping true to painting with her body, she also uncovered a new method to produce powerful poignant splatters across the divide of the canvas frame. This piece is a true multimedia journey as Melissa worked Oil, Acrylic, Latex, Gloss, and Soft Chalk Pastel into the custom made hand stretched natural cotton duct canvas.
This piece was created during the months of March and April of 2010 in Melissa's studio, as well as, plein air. While outside a butterfly flew by and landed on the canvas, which inspired the name 'Monarch'.
