They continue with reoccurring themes.
The first one is:
The Road to the Sea VI
40 cm x 40 cm x 4.5 cm acrylic on canvas, ready to hang
$694 (approx. €650, £575)
In the west of Ireland, houses hug the coastline.
Dwarfed by the immensity of clouds drifting by, they are illuminated by the full moon.
The road takes us on a journey past the houses asleep in the landscape towards the distant roar of the Atlantic Ocean.
This painting is about scale and how small we really are before nature.
The second painting:
A Murmur in the Trees VII
20 cm x 20 cm x 4.5 cm oil on canvas, ready to hang
$250 (approx. €228, £195)
Standing in a glade, the trees sigh in the breeze.
Can you feel the sheltered atmosphere?
I used a range of greens and blues to imbue the painting with a feeling of calm and seclusion.
I’ love to hear what you think about these two paintings.
Which one appeals to you more, the open vista or the secluded clearing?
On this occasion it is the open vista for me! As you know I love your ‘The Road to the Sea’ series and I am proud to own ‘The Road to the Sea, II’ which we enjoy in our living room every day. It is special as it brings back so many happy memories of approaching the brow of a hill in anticipation, knowing from the wonderful light on the horizon, that the sea lies just beyond. In this one, number VII, the slightly winding wet road shines in the moonlight under huge billowing, shimmering clouds. Although it is dark, there is still a fine silver thread on the horizon, where the sea meets the sky. I can imagine hearing the waves crash and the smell of the briny air in contrast to the earthy, peaty land beneath. Thrilling.
‘A Murmer in the Trees, VII’ for me conjures up that feeling of coming across a space deep in the woods where the sun bursts through the trees – it can generate a strong feeling of being alone with nature. Congratulations on both paintings John,, your paintings have a way of making me relive old memories.
Hello Chris, I think this Road to the Sea has a similar atmosphere to No 2 in the series but during the night, it’s a theme I come back to regularly.
Thank you for your insights on both paintings
Hi John, although I like the idea of the ‘Road to the Sea’, I especially like the abstract qualities (and possibilities) of the woodland scene. I can imagine you could just sink into those rich colours and deep dark moods of the forest. I can imagine it would be wonderful to tackle large works on this theme. Do you know the work of Brian Rutenberg? He’s more contrasty than yours – I like your more subtle variations. Also, your titles, ‘A murmur in the trees’ a wonderful. Best wishes, eoin
Hi Eoin, I certainly enjoyed making the woodland piece, using a lot of oil sticks to build texture and depth.
The title Murmur in the Trees comes from a beautiful enigmatic poem by Emily Dickinson of that name.
Yes I know Rutenberg’s work from his you tube videos.
Thank you for your thoughtful and encouraging words