Harkrader's art agent from Lancaster Pennsylvania bought three paintings today from the 'Onyx' series. These three canvases all have incredible 3D elements embedded in, on, behind and through the canvas face. One such section (detail) is seen above from the canvas titled 'Sardonyx'. The total canvas size is 40"x30". The canvas has two primary Rothko type shapes of black and white on a light blue-grey background. A calculator is embedded into thick layers of emulsion laced with coal and pumice in it's black surface. This canvas was created in 2005 while Harkrader was working at Studios on the Square and ironically the calculator is 'still working'. A total for 2000x3 was calculated to check it's accuracy. Around the perimeter of the canvas face lie an embedded figure of a nude female torso, raised alph-numberic text, other collage elements, one white shape is laced with fine copper wire and the entire canvas is deeply textural with the coal and pumice mediums. The 'Onyx' series are masculine according to some viewers. If so, this may be one of the most masculine. Adjectives may include strong, bold, black, rough, deep, textured, excavated, etc. A circle of light gray pumice-texture form a connection between the white and black Rothko shapes. Overall the work is like Rothko on steriods. Would you like one for your collection? There are others!
