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Tag: Pre-hiatus
Untitled (Tree)
Untitled (Tree), 2016-24
Oil and acrylic on board
21×29.7 cmA World Held Within: The Power of Small Paintings
As an artist, I’ve always been drawn to the challenge of capturing a world on a canvas. But lately, I’ve found myself increasingly captivated by the power of miniature landscapes. My latest piece (well almost), is a modest 21×29.7cm creation on board that blends oils and acrylics, is a testament to this fascination.
This particular landscape isn’t just a scene; it’s a feeling. It depicts a solitary tree, its branches reaching towards a vast, cloud-strewn sky, standing resolute in a field of emerald green. While the size may be small, the message is far-reaching.
Finding Strength in Stillness: The lone tree is a metaphor for resilience. It speaks of finding strength in solitude, of weathering storms and anchoring oneself in the face of adversity. The cool blues and greens of the background create a sense of serenity, a reminder that even amidst challenges, there lies a deep well of peace.
Texture and Symbolism: The textured brushstrokes used on the tree are deliberate. They symbolize the bark’s rough resilience, its enduring character etched by time. The pops of white in the clouds represent not just passing storms, but also the potential for new beginnings.
A World Within Reach: Perhaps the greatest power of this miniature landscape lies in its accessibility. Unlike towering museum pieces, this artwork is meant to be held close, to be contemplated in the quiet corners of our lives. It’s a reminder that vastness and beauty can be found not just in expansive vistas, but also in the intimate details of the world around us.
Small Paintings, Big Ideas: Working on a smaller scale allows me to focus on the essence of a scene, to distill a feeling into its purest form. This miniature landscape may be unassuming in size, but it holds within it a universe of meaning – a testament to the power of miniature art.
Summer Solstice, 21st June 2018
Summer Solstice, 21st June 2018, 2018
Mixed media on board
21×29.7 cm
Private collectionSummer Solstice, 21st June 2018: A Reflection in Oil and Pencil (A4)
This piece, “Summer Solstice, 21st June 2018,” is a culmination of my attempt to capture the unique atmosphere of the longest day of the year. Working on an A4 board provided a defined space, a contained world within which to explore the interplay of light, form, and texture. The combination of oil paints and pencil, a technique I find particularly engaging, allowed me to juxtapose the fluidity of color with the precision of line.
The composition centers around the symbolic representation of a stone formation, reminiscent of ancient sites that celebrate the solstice. These forms, rendered in dark brown pencil, are not intended to be literal depictions of any specific monument. Instead, they serve as archetypes, representing the enduring connection between humanity and the cycles of nature. The pencil work is deliberately rough and textured, emphasizing the age and weathered nature of the stones. This contrasts sharply with the smoother, more luminous quality of the oil paint.
The background is a wash of vibrant blues, yellows, and greens, suggestive of the summer sky and landscape. The light emanating from the central white disc—the sun—is the focal point. This area is built up with layers of thin, translucent oil glazes, creating a sense of radiant energy. The halo effect around the sun further intensifies this feeling of light and warmth, capturing the very essence of the solstice.
Working within the A4 format presented its own set of challenges. The limited space required a careful consideration of composition and detail. Every mark, every brushstroke, had to be deliberate. This constraint, however, also fostered a sense of intimacy with the piece. It invites the viewer to engage with the details and to contemplate the symbolic weight of the subject matter.
This finished piece is not just a depiction of a specific day, but a reflection on the enduring power of the sun and its influence on our world. It’s a reminder of the cyclical nature of time and our connection to the natural world.
