My latest work, Bronte Pool in Winter, is all about finding a place that brings you a sense of quiet when life becomes crazy and chaotic.
I want people to feel as if they could quietly slip into that swimming pool, feel the cool of the water and the sun on their back.
Last month I entered a smaller (A5) version of this painting in the Incognito Art Show. It sold the first day. But that little study allowed me to play with composition and create a long crashing wave in a way I hadn’t done before. I decided I needed to try it as a larger format work!
Bronte Beach has such crazy cross currents. It almost feels like the ocean is scrambling for the shoreline - searching for a place to beach. Like the sea itself is running out of time and space to get to the sand. (So different to Coogee and Bondi!)
I love staring at crashing waves. I always feel this sense of WOW, how incredible! But for years I really struggled to paint anything that communicated that same energy. Until my husband (an old surfer) said something that changed my entire approach:
He said, 'A wave is just an explosion.’
So, when I came to painting the wave in this work, I just let myself go for it. Pushing the paint – and the colour - in every direction. Mauves, greens, blues, turquoises, greys. Then I followed this up with some fun finger painting and finally, I got out the nailbrush for those uplifted wave tips catching the wind.
So, what do I love about this painting?
In the face of all this chaos I love that my swimmer is so still and peaceful
I love the translucency of the pool thanks to layers of phthalo green, cerulean, lemon yellow, cobalt, hookers green and paynes grey.
I love that the whole work now ripples with life. It feels alive.
For me, Art is ‘re-creation'. It renews, revives and resets me. (Like when you de-frag your PC). It sounds bizarre, but after a session of painting crashing waves – I’m a quieter person. Like the wave itself is the perfect antidote for my ‘bull-at-a-gate’ personality.
Finally, after hours and hours of this kind of personal art therapy, I love this painting – most of all because I just feel so peaceful when I stare at it.
If you'd like more information about this work, including pricing please email fran@fcmarketing.com.au
It’s a beautiful painting Fran and your reflections add to the visual.