The Clearing in the Wood III, ©John O’Grady
8″ x 8″ x 1.25″, acrylic on deep edge panel, ready to hang
SOLD
A few weeks ago, whilst out walking through the wood along the Ouvèze river, I noticed how the atmosphere of the place changed.
Light was falling. The wood was getting dark.
In the distance, I could see the blue-black silhouettes of pine trees standing out against the light orange sky.
Plants and trees were becoming indistinct and losing shape, replaced by an encroaching gloom.
Yet, I carried on and made my way through the dense woodland.
Glistening through the undergrowth, I spotted a bright light.
I decided to investigate.
As I approached, the dappled-light filtered through the canopy seemed to spread on the ground. Trees and bushes thinned out and revealed, before me, pure golden light reflected in a small pond.
Like a jewel sparkling in the darkness, the still water glowed against the blue back woodland surrounding it.
It was a quiet and still midsummer evening in Provence…
I’d love to read your comment.
The light pours down like liquid as though to find its kin in the water. I love these woodland meditations of yours, John. This one, like the others, has all the magic and mystery of Odilon Redon, if you don’t mind the reference, along with a palpable atmosphere of soft, damp air and dusk, and the smell of leaves, forest floor, and pond. The limited complementary palette brings trees against sky into sharp focus even as the edges start to blur with the waning light.
How lucky you are to live near such beauty, and how lucky we are that you share it with us.
Hello Jo,
I am honoured to have Odilon Redon mentioned in connection with one of my paintings. A painter whose work I have a great fondness for, his work is full as you say Jo of ‘Magic and mystery’ something to aspire to.
Hello Jo,
I am honoured to have Odilon Redon mentioned in connection with one of my paintings. A painter whose work I have a great fondness for, his work is full as you say Jo of ‘Magic and mystery’ something to aspire to. Thank you very much
Dear John,
I hope you don’t mind too much if I don’t make comments on every painting of yours I am so kindly invited to receive. Rarely, it is because they don’t “talk” too much to me but most of the time because I am not in the mood to explain my feelings. For instance, this one, I love it but won’t try to tell you why. because I had the bad envy to read your explanation and own feelings about it, and now I can’t explain my great pleasure. Be sure, John, that I wish to be in your list of transfers and I swear, the next one, I will look at it BEFORE I read your explanation and feelings, to be able to give mine without anticipation !”Et vive l’Irlande, les irlandais et ses peintres” !
Hello Dominique,
Thank you for your kind words on the painting, it means a lot to me that you are enjoying the paintings and that you got pleasure from this one. Your comments are always very welcome but don’t feel under any pressure.