# “In pursuit of happiness” **URL:** \ **Category:** Artist Gallery\ **Tags:** painting\ **Created:** [December 12, 2018, 4:08am UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/in-pursuit-of-happiness/799 "2018-12-12T04:08:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![tracy1400858](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/tracy1400858/32/2457_2.png) [@tracy1400858](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/tracy1400858)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2018, 4:08am UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/in-pursuit-of-happiness/799/1 "2018-12-12T04:08:10Z")
![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/smartmarx/original/2X/4/43029c8b2e794abf2fe0544d31fcf9cb42438d9d.jpeg) “In Pursuit of Happiness” Oil on board 12”x12” Here is a painting I did a couple of years ago. The clown looks jovial in the bright colours, but is crying. The head is cracked symbolizing a brokenness within. He is surrounded by the vices that make us happy temporarily, but too much of a good thing only leads to more unhappiness. He is positioned low on the board to signify his diminished state. I just lucked out in this painting how the stripes on the clothing match the stripes on the crushed beer can!! Thanks for taking the time to look! ---
**Author:** ![AWaichulis](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/awaichulis/32/2859_2.png) [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2018, 2:31pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/in-pursuit-of-happiness/799/2 "2018-12-12T14:31:11Z")
What a fantastic work Tracy! I find the subject matter and the composition to be an excellent manifestation of your intent. On a technical note—the way you communicated the glossy texture of the clown’s head with those few subtle highlights is just stunning. Bravo! ❤ ---
**Author:** ![tracy1400858](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/tracy1400858/32/2457_2.png) [@tracy1400858](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/tracy1400858)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2018, 4:10pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/in-pursuit-of-happiness/799/3 "2018-12-12T16:10:16Z")
Thank you Anthony, I’m always so hesitant on showing my work, your comment is encouraging. I still have to learn to soften up a lot more, though. Thanks for the forum and feedback!! ---
**Author:** ![dianedavichcraig](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/dianedavichcraig/32/2945_2.png) [@dianedavichcraig](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/dianedavichcraig)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2018, 2:41am UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/in-pursuit-of-happiness/799/4 "2018-12-15T02:41:00Z")
Wow! Would love to know the secret on making the clown’s hair look so real. Love the face too! ---
**Author:** ![nancifrance](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/nancifrance/32/253_2.png) [@nancifrance](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/nancifrance)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2019, 1:35pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/in-pursuit-of-happiness/799/5 "2019-01-08T13:35:53Z")
This is so well executed Tracy in drawing skills and surface textures very believable! Makes me sad, as I can feel darkness and a sense of trying to “get up”. You have communicated your intent well​:clap:👏👏👏👏 ---
**Author:** ![tracy1400858](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/tracy1400858/32/2457_2.png) [@tracy1400858](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/tracy1400858)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2019, 1:34am UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/in-pursuit-of-happiness/799/6 "2019-01-09T01:34:29Z")
Thank you for your kind words, Anthony!! ---
**Author:** ![tracy1400858](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/tracy1400858/32/2457_2.png) [@tracy1400858](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/tracy1400858)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2019, 1:36am UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/in-pursuit-of-happiness/799/7 "2019-01-09T01:36:29Z")
Thank you, Diane! It was just a stiffer brush laying down a few lighter strokes. Not much, really. ---
**Author:** ![tracy1400858](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/tracy1400858/32/2457_2.png) [@tracy1400858](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/tracy1400858)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2019, 1:37am UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/in-pursuit-of-happiness/799/8 "2019-01-09T01:37:58Z")
Thank you so much, Nanci!