Where the Veil is Thin, ©John O’Grady 2015
Oil on deep edged canvas, 12″ x 12″ x 1.75″
It does not require framing and is ready to hang.
NFS
To look at the fine veils of rain shifting and falling across the landscape in the distance is a beautiful sight to behold. As you can imagine, it is a common sight in Ireland, particularly in the West.
On those days, when the rain has closed in, the light casts a particular glow as if you are viewing the world through a filter. That particular atmosphere is what I wanted to convey with this piece.
It reminded me of a painting I completed about a year ago that was all about a soft day.
When I finished this present painting, the title popped into my head.
Many years ago, a friend mentioned that in Ireland the ‘veil is very thin’. He went on to explain that these ‘thin places’ are places where it is easier to connect with the other world, a spiritual experience that’s beyond the five senses.
The phrase really stuck with me and seemed apt for this painting.
Really love this – and I admire your work.
I am sorry that my finances do not run to being able to buy any of the paintings – but I am happy to post on – I the hope that others will…
Unfortunately art appreciation and wealth do not always go together.
(Actually, I think you undersell your paintings if anything,)
‘Hello Trisha,
Thank you very much, glad you like it. I do appreciate you posting on and the sharing of my work on Pinterest that you do, as well as coming on to comment here’. It’s great to connect with other art lovers
kind regards John
I found your description of the ‘thin veil’ in the Irish landscape very interesting John – I have never come across this expression but it conveys very well what you have depicted in this lovely painting. It does have a spirituality; the softness of the misty atmosphere, the dreamy colour and intensity of light is beautiful.
Hello Christine,
It is a lovely phrase, the ‘Thin veil’ I think. How to convey that in a painting is another issue, thank you for thoughtful comment and saying it conveys perhaps a little of those feelings.
I have always been drawn to the idea that there are places where (and times when) the veil between this world and another are thin. I have heard pagans refer to Samhain (All Hallows Eve) this way, too — the day when the veil is the thinnest. This painting has the hushed quality of time suspended, of a held breath, even as the mist falls and the water moves. We’re waiting — for something. The palette is beautiful, with the deep purples and hints of green in the foreground, and I love the suggestion of little lights on the distant hill — small signs of human life within the powerful mystery of the landscape.
This piece captures the feeling of “Where the Veil Is Thin,” but in fact many of your other paintings suggest this, too.
Hello Jo,
and thank you for your comment, I am glad to hear the painting captures that feeling for you. I know of other countries where supposedly the ‘Veil is thin’ but have never experienced it there but I feel I have in Ireland as you may well have. Thanks also for your insights on the painting. i had a divil of a time photographing it and even now it doesn’t capture the mood of it.