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Sea Squall, ©John O’Grady, 2014
Oil on Panel, 5″x 7″
This painting is a continuation of the previous post’s theme. It started life as a panel with a burnt orange underpainting prepared a few days ago.
I scraped my palette from the previous night and by mixing the colours together, I ended up with a gorgeous blue grey that worked well against the underpainting. The colour reminded me straight away of the heavy clouds that can be seen off the coast of Ireland.
After I laid down this first blue, it all seemed to fall into place. The grey blue squall of rain falling on the sea and darkening its surface acted as a foil to the light reflecting on the water.
It’s a common sight off the coast of Ireland.
I’d love to hear what you think
Hi John sorry I havent commented in a while but Im back again to say what a lovely seascape you have painted here! I love the sunlight hitting the water my favourite kind of paintings 🙂
No problem Dawn, you are most welcome here. Thank you very much for your comment. I know how you love the sea. I hope your own painting is going well!
Hi John
This is a good day in Ireland:)
Ah! yes Rory as long as the squall’s are not on the land
I love how the underpainting informs and ties together the contrasting elements of this piece. Really appreciate the looseness of the brushwork here, too. The shadow on the surface of the water (in contrast to the reflected light) and the bright patch on the land are wonderful moments. The painting has a brooding quality, but also a sense of anticipation. Beautifully done.
Hello Josephine, yes I think the undepainting peeking through in places ties the painting together, I particularly like the patch top left, sitting next to the blue/grey. As with the previous painting the piece is built on a series of contrasts. Thank you for your thoughtful comment
The light is glowing amidst these wonderful contrasts John. There is a freshness and an immediacy which brings it all to life; loose and free and infused with feeling. I have been fortunate enough to see similar light off the west coast of Scotland (Solway).
Hello Chris, I think the light there would have a similar quality, trying to capture that particular glow is another thing though :). Thank you for your perceptive comment
I really like this…c’mon, John, those are the Cliffs of Moher off to the left in the distance…recognize them anywhere!!!
You might be right there Terry. it’s a place I know well, and it might have been percolating for a while, in the subconscious. it certainly has a feeling of the Wild West about it!
Hi John! Stunning painting per usual! I love the way you capture the dramatic effect of light against dark in your work and the sheer simplicity of your compositions is just wonderful! Beautiful work! 🙂
Hello Eileen, thank you very much for your encouraging comment. It’s always a balancing what to put in and leave out in a composition,isn’t it? I hope your own work is going well