Ekphrasis

This painting an outstanding example of transforming ordinary subjects into extraordinary works of art.

This sort of work can only be produced by someone who has a complete mastery of craft, high level of skill, and uncanny attention to detail.  Even more importantly, it takes vision. Not the simple vision of ordinary sight, but the vision of imagination to realize the potential of a subject and how to interpret that realization.

When John Varriano considers a subject for a painting he does not just see the component parts but looks below the surface to the underlying structure. Contrasts of light and dark, cool and warm colors, tonal balance and positive and negative spaces are all paramount to the conception. For instance, notice the graphic beauty of the piles of newspapers toward the upper right corner of the painting.

The painting has three main figures. The foreground figure is in complete shadow, receiving no direct light but only the reflected light of the blue sky. The middle figure, bending to load the refrigerator with water is partially in light and partially in shadow, and the third figure is completely bathed in light. What this in effect does, is amplify the sense of space as the viewers eyes move through three differing zones of light and shadow. Along with this we see the lines of the sidewalk slabs receding back in perspective, lending even more depth to the painting.

There are many bold contrasts of bright, primary colors as seen in the yellow newspaper wagon, the blue shadows and the reds of the newspaper stand awning. Wonderful skill is displayed in the execution of the lettering. The handling of the overall scale and perspective is impeccable, not to mention the wonderful abstract qualities of the potato chip bags.

Varriano’s sense of humor is on display as well. Look how the strong cubical basket bends and bows under the weight of the man in the foreground. Also see the lazy dip of his pants which expose a portion of his copious backside, flattened by the weight of his upper body. And we are treated to the whimsical smile of that same fellow seen from behind as his face is reflected in a small mirror. Is he musing at some remembered joke, or his he laughing at the man reaching for his wallet to buy a newspaper?

As usual, Varriano gives us much to delight in as we enjoy this wonderful work of art.