Magic & Beauty (2018)

Magic and Beauty (2018)
Another painting in this series which steps back and looks up in wonder and awe at the size and space of the world around: some will see chaos and ugliness, others will see magic and beauty. The woman here is calm and untroubled by the energetic activity around, she knows she’s safe in her bubble and able to clearly focus on one point, while still being fully aware of the magic all around.
 
This piece is from a 2018 collection called Magic, Wisdom and Beauty and was done specifically for the SOLO 44 exhibition at New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts in Wellington. This series follows on immediately from a solo exhibition of realist portraiture (What Matters Most, Feb 2018, Bread & Butter Fine Art Gallery, Whitianga) and is clearly an unleashing of ideas and energy after months and months of controlled and restrained realism. Whereas the portrait exhibition was all about reflecting the spirit of the 7 women I painted – and my relationship with them – this series of work is about MY spirit, and the way I perceive the world: with enthusiasm, wonder and joy. This series is the story of the Intrepid Explorer – sure, calm and centred, even when alone, regardless of what is going on around them.
This explorer is secure in their own bubble but still very much engaged with the world: able to step back and appreciate the beauty and wonder with awe, without feeling overwhelmed by external factors.
These paintings are done predominantly with palette knife, layering acrylic to create the depth and excitement and colour and light that I feel around me.