Whiskey

Whiskey is an original oil painting by  Debra Keirce.  The art measures 8 1/2″ x 5 3/4" with the frame (box) measuring  9" x  6 1/2" x 4 1/2" when the box is closed.

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I recently took a tour of the Jack Daniels distillery and at the end, I came upon this scene. Right away, I was struck by how much I just love this composition. The reasons are probably not obvious to most people. But, the history of the Jack Daniels distillery and characters is fun and full of people who have - shall we say - a rebellious nature. So maybe it was the rebel in me that was on high alert.

In art, there are many people who tell us about rules of composition. They say you always get the best art when you paint from life. (I usually don't.) They say you should always make sure the center of interest in the 2/3 vertical and horizontal location. (I rarely do.) They say you should never use black in your paintings. (I always do.) They say you should always use an analogous complimentary color scheme for the richest color. (I sometimes do, but not always.) They say you should learn to paint loosely as you gain more skills. (I flat out refuse to. I paint tighter the more skilled I get.) They say that your dominant lines should be at an angle, to keep things interesting. (Strong angles give me vertigo.) They say... You get the idea.

So, this composition has enough vertical and horizontal lines to make a self professed art expert get high blood pressure. It's almost monochromatic, but I use my colors to make it sing anyway. The center of interest is tightly rendered and in the center, and I am still a master level artist. 

Besides all that, the JD tour is fun and I highly recommend it. There is so much history in Nashville, through prohibition, the depression, and all sorts of challenges this company overcame. It's the talented, unstoppable people who did and continue to do what they do best, that has made their brand prosper for over 158 years old!