Some paintings take a long time to evolve. My new abstract diptych is one of these works. I started painting it in 2021 and only finished it a month ago. Right now, I am only going to share some glimpses. I want to keep the full reveal for my open studio. This is on the weekend of Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th April as part of the Golden Plains Arts Trail.

This photograph shows an early stage of the painting, with the under-painting clear. The size of the work is evident as it lays face up on an 8-seater table. The title of the work is ‘Fire and Flood’

Slow Abstract Painting

Occasionally, I have a clear idea, but the way to paint it is extremely murky for me. I had to feel my way into ‘Fire and Flood’ and it took a long time to realise. As I painted layer after layer, I became more connected to it. But I had to fight for the painting to emerge. In between layers, the painting would rest against the wall of the studio. Often this was for months at a time until the next stage became apparent. I must say, this is not the way I prefer to paint.

Over time, I found the center of the work. A weather pattern encompassing a fireball. Cycles of destruction and renewal became the core of the work. For me, it then became a matter of setting in the other elements.

Flood in a Time of Drought

Strangely, the flood part of the painting was the last to be painted. Maybe it was because we are in drought and I longed for rain. I need the landscape to turn green and lush. Plants need to grow so wildlife can feed away from the roadside. My rage at the drivers who mutilate hungry creatures just trying to stay alive is about to escape. Give them food. Provide them with shelter. Value our trees and water. I write this as I see forests being burned or cut down. Land is cleared and rare species are lost. This destruction of the environment is resulting in more severe fires and floods. Not fewer.

I think some of my rage is captured in ‘Fire and Flood’. Hopefully it captures some beauty too.

Visit My Studio

Here are the details of my open studio and the wider Golden Plains Arts Trail. You can download a brochure here.

If the weekend of 12th and 13th April doesn’t work for you, my studio is open by appointment. You can contact me about this here.