underwater

I had a lovely start to the month - a commission to paint a family. The father had asked for them to be paddling in the sea and for me to paint under as well as above the water. This took me right back to a series I did years ago showing under as well as above the water. I loved the idea of being able to see this secret world beneath the waves. The challenge was to make it really look like it was under the water - I did this by toning down the colours, this created a contrast between the bright above and the cooler, subdued below. It was fascinating to paint and made for a very interesting painting (I thought)!

I think I enjoy painting reflections for the same reason - I am creating an illusion but at the same time everything is still flat and simpified. Having completed the commission I have revisited the subject and painted a few for a show I am working on for a gallery in Dorset - I must say I loved doing them!!  I think it reminds me of when I was young. I spent most summers catching crabs and grubbing around in rockpools and the magic  of those times hasn't left me!