Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra Viola

I was honored to be one of several Williamsburg artists asked by the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra League (WSOL, the volunteer organization in support of the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra) to paint a violin as part of a fundraising activity in the fall of 2021.

The WSOL came into possession of four real but unplayable violins and one viola earlier in the year. They decided to ask professional artists to design and paint these instruments, which would then be sold in an online auction near the end of the WSO concert season in 2022. For the entire season, beginning in September, the violins and the viola were displayed at concerts and venues within our community.

I was happy to participate, and got the “big sister” of the group, the viola.  After doing some research on painting on wood and painting violins and violas, I carefully removed the chinrest, tailpiece, strings, bridge, and tuning pegs, and taped over the finger board.  I then sanded down the exterior with fine sandpaper and applied two coats of sealant and two of gesso.

I chose to paint a Colonial Williamsburg themed instrument.   Admittedly, prepared stretched canvas is much easier both in preparation and execution.  The convex surfaces of the front and back were definitely a challenge for me, as were the meandering sides (the bout), neck, and scroll.  Safely securing it to my easel and elsewhere as I worked on it was similarly challenging yet necessary.  This was definitely not the flat taut yet flexible rectangle I am used to applying paint to. Once all surfaces were complete, I varnished it; and after letting it dry for several days reassembled the viola.  Although it looks playable, I hope no one ever attempts to do so, as I would worry about it breaking in the process of being tuned, and it was deemed unplayable before I got it.

Although I will stick with more traditional surfaces in the future, I am pleased with my viola and found it a satisfying challenge. I am also very happy to support the WSO, a most worthwhile cause.

https://www.dailypress.com/virginiagazette/opinion/va-vg-ed-arts-williamsburg-symphony-1117-20211116-lnhvai6ce5c4li76cjrrzuckqa-story.html

I am happy to report that my viola and the violins all sold and will now, hopefully, brighten the homes of supporters of the WSO for years to come: https://www.williamsburgsymphony.org/strings-attached-encore-affairs