When You Cross Your Legs:

There are certain images or visual episodes - in addition to amazing, extraordinary experiences - that occur in one’s lifetime which go on to register and will remain indelible and forever memorable in one’s mind, heart and soul. This painting celebrates one of those visual delights.

Most artists would admit that working with a live, nude female model is one of the greatest privileges; a beautiful artistic thrill and a wonderful opportunity to create art from live and direct observation. But in this case, I was inspired and deliciously motivated by the sight of a fully-clothed woman, any woman, who happens to be on her way to work early in the morning. She is wearing a business suit with a knee-length skirt and dress shoes. She is tall and has very attractive legs. This woman is on a schedule and her body language is that of a busy, ambitious and dynamic person.

Stay with me: As she is about to get in her car, she motions to sit herself down on the front seat while her legs are still outside the car, feet planted on the ground. It is this precise moment - when she lifts her lower legs and feet off the ground, while keeping her feet close together, and then moves to position herself inside the car – that I have frozen and symbolically painted. (continued)