The Southwesterly, ©2015 John O’Grady
12″ x 12″ Oil on panel, requires framing
Off the Atlantic, the weather fronts move in quickly particularly at this time of year. The high winds bring the waves and spume crashing against the rocks, whilst in the distance the heavy clouds build and build as they approach the shore.
This piece is really a continuation of the last painting capturing that time of day when that half hour of beautiful evening light makes the clouds glow a deep rose and violet colour.
What is different from the previous painting though is the focal point. It’s not, as you would expect, in the foreground which is here diffused with mist and sea spray.
The eye is led through to the horizon and the billowing weather front.
A right to left energy is enriched by the waves’ staccato dance while the rococo clouds grace the sky with their slow, sculptural show.
I’d love to read what you think about the painting.
Beautiful John, well done! e
Thanks very much Eoin, I hope your own work is going well
Beautiful John, so full of energy and vitality in the foreground yet there is a sense of peace and calm along the exquisite pink horizon. I love your description of the clouds as rococo – light and graceful. Many congratulations.
Thank you Christine, yes rococo seemed the right word and it is a lovely word, isn’t it. Glad you liked the painting. I agree it is a painting of two halves. The calm above with the movement and energy below.
As I keep returning to this image, the phrase “economy of language” persists in my mind, especially in terms of the brushwork. When writing is great, there’s that sense of just the right words being employed — no more, no less. I get that sense here, particularly in how you describe the water and its energy. Economical, direct, forceful, immediate.
Hello Jo,
Yes, those economy of means and mark making is just that a way of trying to express and tap into that energy and force of nature. So glad to hear that it comes across in the painting. Thank you very much