Open Source

Base and top layers

Open Source is a large square painting made up of loops and swirls of paint. These are comprised of metallic yellow gold, metallic copper, another metallic gold, white and a mix of purple and blue mica powders mixed with resin.

Then there’s the base coat. Far from being a monotone slab of darkness this is actually a cleverly blended series of very dark blue and black paints with a sprinkling of metallic powders. This is very sublte effect and one you can only really see with real eyes when you’re stood in front of it.

Capturing this with a camera is very tricky but the result is sublime. It’s a moving, shimmering backdrop that really sets off the top layers beautifully. You can start to see this in some of the close up and deetailed views of the painting on this page (click or tap for larger versions).

All about the loops

The main event of course are thoise wonderful twisting layers that move across each other. There’s something captivating about looking at this kind of technique – it always reminds me of neural pathways in the brain for some reasn and I can feel all the activity and electricity bristling between them. Imagine what thoughts could be prcessed through all these complex connections?

The careful interaction between layers gets melted and morphed into one delightfully intricate movement and mass. What’s also great is that the painting never feels heavy or burdened. It always feels light and balanced with no single colour dominating or overpowering. I wanted this to be about the joy of expression with colour but also with shape and movement.

Purple and gold – what a combo!

Purple and gold are great at doing that together. There’s a tremendous feeling of reassurance and gravity with them but also one of richness and seduction. It is a painting that will either draw you in very deeply or repel at first glance. I don’t think there’s much room for sitting on the fence with this one!

Get it under a spotlight though and it really comes to life. The shimmering effects of the metallic powders and paints give this abstract a real edge and is quite the spectacle.