This is a 12" x 18" oil on foam-core. The subject is a gardener, who I recently interviewed as he was working on the grounds of the walled-in, one city-block area of an historic inn, in Tucson, AZ. The huge grounds are very lush, beautifully cared for, and require constant, labor-intensive attention (in order to achieve the 'effortless', unchanging serenity of the place). It is a large cocoon of subdued nature, which has long been a haven for those captains of industry who can afford under-stated, old world pampering. It is soothing and lovely. Everything is under control, you can relax. Which brings us to the gardener. He is perfect for this place. He does not speak English (he will not be chattering at guests). He prefers to be behind-the-scenes, as he may or may not be documented to be in the U.S. He is very grateful to have this job (as he explained to me in Spanish) because they let him eat food there, and all the free soda he wants. He is used to very manual grooming of plants...his work ethic dovetails perfectly with the tedious work required to give this place the sense that you are on the grounds of a very large private home.
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