Tag: Stonehenge

Summer Solstice, 21st June 2018, 2018
Mixed media on board
21×29.7 cm
Private collection

Summer 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.