Water Series -Various mediums
Lotus
2002
Watercolour 297 x 420mm
Fish/Reeds
1999
Pastel 750 x 550mm
Lily Pond II
2002
Watercolour 760 x 560mm
Lily Pond I
1999
Watercolour 760 x 560mm
Water Lilies on Black Paper
1999
Pastel 750 x 550mm
Water Lilies
1999
Pastel 750 x 550mm
Fish with Lilies
1999
Pastel 640mm x 460mm
Lilies 4
1999
Pastel 460 x 640mm-
Water lilies have large round leaves which sprawl across the water’s surface. They have evolved that way for functionality; any other shape would not float with such ease and elegance. As distance increases and they relate more to the horizon they become a myriad of ellipses. The colours are striking, ranging from deep red through the entire spectrum; even boasting fancy combinations with speckles and stripes of colour collaborations. At certain times of day a halo of light forms around the leaves. The tension where water meets leaf creates a raised ridge that catches and plays with the sunlight.
The water of the pond is still and dark. The occasional ripple indicates movement from beneath the surface where the goldfish are grazing. Their shiny bodies are in perpetual motion, as fluid as their life support. From a distance their outer extremities fade into the gloom leaving the spectator to paint in their elegant tails, as they dart out of reach of the light.
The surface of the water is like a window into a darkened room; it reflects the brightness surrounding it. This reflection is only interrupted when a brighter light beams out from within. So when the fish catch the sun; they swim amongst the clouds and trees surrounded by sky.
The surface of the water is so delicate, even the slightest touch from the wind will result in crazy distortions, altering the relationships between the elements within and without. Sometimes obliterating the individual characteristics altogether.
If the surface is alive with the frenzy of raindrops a myriad of ellipses come and go so quickly it’s impossible to look at each one.
Water is the source of life; all life originated in it and depends upon it. Without it we cannot survive.