MIDDAY IN GREECE
My latest portrait painting LUNCH IN LINDOS. Oil & Acrylic on Canvas 70.0 x 50.0 cm. August 2023.
Inspired by a photograph captured during a serene moment in Greece back in 2013, this painting encapsulates the essence of that idyllic scene. Positioned within the comforting embrace of a sun-dappled restaurant, my wife became both muse and subject. I felt the photograph worked well in its own right, so the plan was to abstract the picture and capture the mood of the moment more fully.
The intricate interplay of light and shadow, cast by the lush canopy above, mesmerized me. It took over a decade to muster the confidence necessary to translate these nuanced light levels onto canvas, particularly the delicate nuances around the eyes.
The journey began with a series of poster study sketches, exploring the interplay of colours that would best evoke the mood of the moment. Experimentation led me to refine the underpainting hues, ultimately settling on a harmonious balance of Cyan, burnt Sienna, and Cadmium yellow.
Layer by layer, the canvas came to life. Thin, fluid strokes allowed for a gradual buildup of depth and dimension, mirroring the gentle dance of light across the scene. The luminous spheres of light were meticulously crafted through successive layers, washes, and glazes, each stroke contributing to the ethereal ambience.
A pivotal decision arose when considering the background palette. A subtle touch of greyish blue, juxtaposed against the warm orange tones, added a captivating depth to the composition. Knowing when to halt the creative process, I pondered whether it was time to cease refining the painting, finding solace in its current state of completion.
Yet, the eyes remained a focal point, holding the essence of the subject's soul. Deliberate and cautious, I approached this final phase, unsure of the level of detail warranted. I left the eyes until last to paint as I didn't know how detailed I wanted them to look. After a short session working them up, I thought they looked okay in more detail. As soon as I started painting a hint of eyelashes over the right eye I stopped and decided they were complete
