The Ghost of Pinoccio

"The Ghost Of Pinoccio" is one of the first in a series of watercolors from the 1970's out of the same block of paper. Working in watercolor is both a relief and a frustration. A relief, especially after working with oil on canvas, because the process has time limits. One can't work on it forever or it will turn to mud. A frustration, especially after exclusively working with watercolor, because there ARE time limits. When pulling out a large wash one has to work fast and there is only one opportunity to get it right.
In this composition the balance at first seems off...until the pregnancy appears and takes on weight. Stretching a composition, testing limits, is very satisfying when it doesn't fall over.