A powerful primeval figure, The Guardian is an evocative character that takes the viewer’s imagination into the realm of legend just by his very nature — rugged, unknowable, and mysterious....
A powerful primeval figure, The Guardian is an evocative character that takes the viewer’s imagination into the realm of legend just by his very nature — rugged, unknowable, and mysterious. Richly pigmented earth tones add depth to the figure, and the variation in patina shading create wonderful movement throughout the piece - reminiscent of drawings by the Old Masters. The textured surface treatment further reveals the artist’s gesture in the original clay. Tribal body paint, a headdress, and a bullwhip add to the intrigue of The Guardian, Atelier.
In 2014 and 2015, Richard MacDonald focused intently on the minerals and pigments of his patina process - specifically on the color red. Shortly thereafter, the artist revealed his discoveries in a new exhibition entitled “Richard MacDonald: Red.” The exhibition, which highlights MacDonald's creative immersion into the hue, the emotion, and narrative of color, represents a profound new direction in the artist's work.