Arcadian Lake
Arcadian Lake (2023)
18×24 Pastel on Pastel Paper
Original is Sold
What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity devoid of troubling or depressing subject matter - a soothing, calming influence on the mind, rather like a good armchair which provides relaxation from physical fatigue. — Henri Matisse
When I started painting, my sole focus was the male figure. I was enamored with the artistry and sensuality of the athletic form.
Eventually, I realized I wanted to tell stories and capture feelings, which meant placing these figures in actual settings. Suddenly, half my work was landscape painting, something I never intended to do. While I’ve learned a lot tackling everything from skyscrapers to haystacks, I’ll admit I don’t get the same thrill starting a tree as I do a figure.
For Arcadian Lake, I opted for a soft, photographic blurred background. Beyond saving me from rendering endless leaves, it added a dreamlike warmth that fits the mood perfectly.
