Perfume of the Night II, ©John O’Grady 2014
Oil on deep edged Beech Panel, 15 cm x 15 cm x 3.7cm deep (approx. 6″ x 6″, no need to frame and ready to hang)
SOLD
In an overgrown field of diaphanous grasses, old ignored vines were barely peeking through. In the corner, an abandoned cabanon lay. In years past it gave land workers a welcome respite from the searing sun of Provence and a shelter for their tools but it now stood alone and neglected at the foot of the mighty Mont Ventoux, no longer thought to have any purpose.
The night is still warm as the season gently begins to edge towards autumn.
There is very little light pollution. As soon as you go for a few miles into the countryside, on a clear night, you can raise your head and enjoy the stars-filled sky and start noticing the blueish swathe of the Milky Way. It is a sight to behold and I wanted to transfer that emotion to the painting.
Do you get that feeling?
INDEED!!!!! Beautiful….wonderful…all the elements are wonderful!!!
Hello Terry,
Thank you very much. I know the northern lights have been seen in Donegal and Sligo in the last few weeks but the Milky Way in Provence is not too bad 🙂
!
I do absolutely get that feeling. Wow. The Milky Way is exquisite here, and the illuminated grasses — in pink — look almost extraterrestrial. The tonal balance among the dark sky, darker-still earth, and bright foreground is masterful. There’s a lot of magic and mystery in your work lately, John. Beautifully done.
Hello Josephine,
I realised today that my last painting from here was three months ago. I live in a part of the world where so many painters have found inspiration. So I was glad this piece came out today. I was particularly happy how cool and warm balanced and yes the sky! I am digging and digging deeper, we’ll see what comes out. Thank you
So very beautiful, John! I see what you see–a magical landscape and starry sky. I also see the hint of a female body (maybe I would see that!) in the light on the mount and the lush, sensual grasses below. So evocative. Congratulations!
Hello Rachel,
I can also see what you see, now you mention it. It’s interesting how we see things that we are deeply focussed upon in our work, such as the human form. Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
This is so interesting John and beautiful to look at. You have created a fabulous scene using glorious colour creating an ‘other-worldly’ feel. I recall a night in Scotland when we were surrounded by dark shadows in moonlight and the Milky Way above.The pink grasses are inspired.
Hello Christine,
I can only imagine the view you must have had in Scotland away from urban areas. A great place for the northern lights as well. Thank you for your comment on the painting.