A Day of Light, ©John O’Grady
11″ x 12″ oil and wax on panel, requires framing.
Not for Sale (NFS)
Have you experienced one of those days when the air is invigorating and full of nature’s life force?
These days are dazzling. The quality of light bouncing off the sea turns the sky azur in colour though, the Atlantic wind keeps the air fresh.
This painting seeks to capture such a breathtaking day on the West Coast of Ireland.
It started with an oil wash of blue black in Paynes grey left over from a previous day’s work. I let it sit overnight so I could see the possibilities within the painting afresh.
Some of this wash can still be seen peaking through, in parts of the sky and rocks.
When I walked into my studio the following day, the shape of the rocks and the headland presented themselves straight away. What started out as a very dark wash ended up being a very ‘high key’ bright painting, mainly because of the turquoise and powder blue in the sky and sea which are so attractive to work with.
After I finished it, Eugene Boudin, a painter born in Brittany and associated with the Barbizon school, came to mind. He captured so well the shifting quality of light along the French coast around Le Havre.
I look forward to reading your comment.
They sky is reminiscent of Boudin, but whereas his images feel more static, yours are full of energy and movement and have a more emotional quality (for me anyway). The wash unifies all the elements of this painting beautifully, and I love the way the clouds and sea merge in the mist in the distance. The light feels alive, and the dark foreground anchors this piece and provides a solid contrast to the soaring airiness. I can feel the moist salt air blowing in off the water.
Thank you Jo,
That’s very kind of you to say, regarding the ’emotional quality’ and ‘energy’ I think Boudin’s rounded cloud forms are often quite sedate, where as the brushmarks in my clouds are quite stacatto like, if that’s the right word. It also struck me about the ‘airiness and the anchored foreground’, I think that works quite well.
I just noticed the lights on the far shore — a sweet little reminder of humanity in the midst of the wild elements. Very nice touch.
Well spotted Jo, thank you
I totally agree with J Roccuzzo. My first impression: I can feel the moist (and smell the} salt air blowing in off the water.
Hello Liza,
Thank you very much, glad to hear that it gives you that feeling.
Hello Liza,
Thank you very much, glad to hear that it gives you that feeling. It’s like all the elements are melding into each other
Such beautiful blues and violets John – the light is very fresh and clear and alive. I like the composition and the way you have arranged the shoreline and foreground and I feel as though I am standing on a rock looking out to sea and across to the land mass. It is a lovely panting.
Hello Christine
Yes I was quite happy with the composition and how the foreground worked out. It does have a solid feel to it ‘as though I am standing on a rock’ feel to it. Thank you very much
Hi John!
A lovely seascape again! Beside all the lightness of clouds and sky and foam I like the solidness of the coastline and the fractured face of the rocks in the foreground. For me you show an endless tune of vicissitude nature offers. A person can get lost in it…
The rocks in the foreground remind me of the printmaking of Ronald Teskey, one of my favourites to bring Irish coastlines to art, mostly showing the rough side…
Your art is more restful, offering a lot of space for the eyes and the soul. I can watch your paintings for hours, drifting into dreams.
Thank you for showing!
My best regards! Frauke
Hello Frauke,
It’s always interesting for me to read your comments and insights on a painting, no less this one. Yes the ‘fractured rocks’ you mentioned were really enjoyable to paint, balanced out with the ‘space’ above the horizon line. I am glad that you are able to ‘get lost in them’. Thank you ever so much, kind regards John.