The Fairy Rath II, ©John O’Grady 2015
14.75″ x 11″, oil on 4mm Panel (Requires framing)
SOLD
The rays of the setting sun are filtered through the silhouetted trees that circle an ancient ring fort known as a Fairy Rath.
We are led up the hill by the green glowing path that eventually fades into the blue/violet darkness that adds a touch of mystery.
These ancient solitary places are scattered all over the land on raised areas that holds their thousand years’ old secrets. They are often left untouched by farmers as if they were guardians.
Whether you believe in faeries or not, families once lived in these ancient places, eking out a livelihood from the land.
This is my response to these special places.
I’d love to read your comment.
John,
I really like your use of color in this one. Nicely done!
Cynthia
Thanks very much Cynthia
I think this is a painting full of mystery which may be due to the green/ turquoise colour or the atmosphere of dusk that is depicted. I particularly like the way the viewer looks up from below to the filigree of trees pierced by the setting sun – seeing but perhaps unable to be seen. It is a painting full of intense feeling.
Hello Christine,
Thank you very much for your insights. I agree the colour arrangement does add that air of mystery to the piece with the coolish green/turquoise glowing in the foreground. The viewpoint that you mentioned is a follow up to original fairy Rath painted in July 2013. #135 it took over two years to re-emerge!
I agree that the palette is beautifully handled, John. The greenish sky mirrors some of the land in the foreground. The warm lighted path — inviting, and a tad disquieting — is just as mysterious as the blue-violet trees, standing like sentinels, and whatever lies hidden behind them. The low sun peering through the trunks seems ready to bear witness to whatever happens there. I loved the last Fairy Rath painting too. That one had a vertiginous quality that made me feel slightly unreal and off-kilter, and this one feels more steady, but no less magical.
Hello Jo,
Yes I agree the original has as you stated more of an ‘off-kilter’ feel to it, where as this one has quite an unusual palette dominated by greens which give it a particular mood. The last one was over 2 years ago, it’s funny how things re-emerge at different times. I enjoyed your reading of the painting, Thank you