Original artwork description:

In my continuing reflections in this series, my focus in this painting is on the loneliness of the mental health journey, which I have expressed by building a composition of largely curved shapes. You’ll notice that, at the focal point, the rhythm is broken and a single, small teal square stands alone in that high contrast gap. I have empathized with my loved one’s struggle, trying to put myself in their place, to see how much courage it took for them to share their story with me. As if it isn’t enough to grapple with their own mental health, they also feel isolated, sure that they don’t fit in. Many times, they feel unable or unwilling to take the risk to share their struggles, thoughts and feelings, sure that those around them won’t understand. They could be rejected, ostracized. Life is hard enough in the best of times. Let’s really reach out, make the effort to include and understand. The paint surface, for obvious reasons, is highly distressed. This series of 11" x 14" mixed media abstracts combine watercolor, acrylic and oils on canvas, in an earthy palette of green, burnt sienna, and neutrals, along with black and white. A satin varnish has been applied for protection, and hanging hardware is already installed.

Materials used:

watercolor, acrylic & oil on canvas

Tags: