Marooned

Blue and orange – perfect seaside colours

Think of being on a desert island: some tropical atoll far out to sea. Crystal blue waters lapping at the shore; think paradise, warmth, sun, waves, coral, breeze. Think about any combination of these and you’ll get somewhere toward the motivation for painting this abstract.

OK, so I’ve never been marooned on a desert island nor have I been diving in the Caribbean but I’ve enough imagination to be there in my mind which can often be the birthplace for all great adventures. Who cares if you’re isolated or staying in a beachfront villa? The important thing is to consider the elements that make up those experiences. Sea, sand, rocks, palm trees, weather, heat etc… they’re all in there somewhere.

Using your mind to paint

One of the great things about creativity is that you can make anything you want. Much of the skill for many artists is having the skill and ability to translate that into something someone will connect with (and ultimately own in my case).

So I don’t have to have been a seasoned traveler to conjour up this kind of thing on my head. I can rely on my memories of wildlife documentaries and films about nature to give me all the subject matter i need to turn blue and orange into something that has the oceans intrinsically weaved in to it.

Taking care with colour

One characteristic I particularly like is the use of a slightly muted palette of colour. For this painting it was essential for me not to go overboard with tones that shout, instead I wanted to make the components work harmoniously together and create an artwork that is relaxed, peaceful and full of those elemental earthy delights that we all have a connection with.

That’s one of the reasons I have shown it hanging in two bedroom settings – can’t think of a better way to chill than horizontal with my head on a pillow. What’s interesting is that you can hear yourself imagining waves crashing and a cool breeze wafting as you spend more time with it; I rather like that!