Autumn Reflections

Colors and things

Autumn Reflections is a medium sized abstract painting created from a series of calming, natural colors formed into a series of gentle movements.

For me, there are many successes to this painting; the first among those is the selection of colors used. I chose a very natural palette – taking my tonal references from autumnal harvests here in the UK as well as elements of growth and germination.

These include bronze, copper and of course gold. Into these I have also woven an interesting green color which is actually made from a mica powder pigment and some of the base resin isolted from my normal paints.

The light part of the background layer is also interesting as it has a slight green tinge to it. This was created using a buttermilk blend fused with a small amount of yellow gold. As this contains a metallic flake it has oxidized (with the white part of the buttermilk) and given the top half a rich, velvety lustre with a very slight hint of green. Marvellous!

Movements and shapes

I wanted to convey the feelings of growth in this painting. From seed to harvest and all the way back again. So, it felt important to give the painting a portrait orientation so that I had room to let the paints rise freely upwards. If you’re going to simulate heads of corn swaying in the breeze then you need room to let it happen.

Everything begins with that dark, soil inspired base. It’s full of texture and has plenty of inritcate detailing. Rising from the ground comes a plethora of gentle movements that feel very natural and organic.

The calm and natural nature of the colors, and the familiar way in which they’re applied makes Autumn Reflections the perfect accompaniment to almost any space and absolutely perfect if you want something different but don’t want to get slapped in the face every time you walk past it.