Hope and Beauty in the Landscape of Isolation

Oil on Linen – Unframed – 87 x 117cm – £2500

My aim for this painting was to bring hope and beauty into the landscape of isolation which we find ourselves in during this global pandemic.
With this in mind, I wove a spacious timelessness into it; where one can loose oneself in wonder. A light airiness, with gentle colours and the promise of beauty ahead.

As you probably realise by now, I do not find painting straightforward even though I carry with me 50 years of experience. In my last post I owned up to being completely lost during the painting of ‘Soft Light’. This is explained in ‘Why am I painting’.

I started out with one thing clearly in mind but through impatience, I went to work on it too aggressively and lost what I set out to achieve. However, during this frustrating process, I discovered a certain freedom which comes from being ‘lost’; ironically there is a sense of having nothing to loose!

With this in mind I decided to start the next painting with the mindset of not knowing what I was doing right from the start, which it turns out is quite liberating!

Alongside this ongoing work, we find ourselves in the extraordinary time of lock down and social distancing. A true artist speaks through their work. So the question is…

How will the Covid 19 Pandemic affect my work

It has been interesting for me to discover, as I conscientiously try to reach out to others who I perceive might be lonely during this time, that it is I that needs reaching out to! I am a contemplative, so I assume I am more introvert that extrovert. But, no, it seems I really miss people and I am getting sad.

And all those I reach out to are perfectly fine thank you very much!

‘My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration!

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again – my Saviour and my God!’ Psalm 42:4-6

It is this discovery that has affected my painting

I am noticing that I am already thinking differently within my work. There is a desire to paint with a lighter palette despite my sadness, and to be intentionally hopeful. I choose colours deliberately with this purpose in mind. There is to be no gloom or drama, just a peaceful trusting and a joyful hope.

‘Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.’ Psalm 62:5

So I paint, and I keep my eyes looking up, for it is God who strengthens me, and in Him I put my hope.

For further details on ‘Soft Light’ click here.