From the Artist: I live in a remote location. There is a forest, a lake, and wonderful sunsets. I tried to capture the feeling of remoteness but also how every time I look at this landscape I want to embrace it all.
I use real sand to mix with the painting in the foreground and I glued a broken carapace on the outlined turtle in the bottom right corner to symbolize nature and Mother Earth. (Some cultures believe the turtle – the oldest symbol for the Earth – is its guardian and protector. Others think that when you see one it is a sign you need to get connected to your primal essence.)
From the Painting Guide: Looking at this painting for the first time, my eyes were pulled right in by that intense strip of green, then gradually moved outward and around the painting. It's got a very strong sense of earthliness, something I'm sure is stronger in real life when all the textures can be seen clearly.
Things to Consider When Looking at This Painting:
Visiting Art Galleries vs Reproductions: I can never really believe my ears when I hear someone questioning the value of visiting art galleries or museums to see paintings in real life, rather than only in reproduction or photos. Sure, a crowded show isn't much fun, but most galleries have 'unpopular' rooms or quiet times, when you can look at paintings without getting your elbows jostled or someone trying to move you along.
Just as the photo of this painting doesn't show you all the texture that exists, so not even the best modern reproductions can beat the feeling of standing in front of the canvas that the artist actually painted. With many paintings, there's the sheer size; with others there's texture or small detail that's hidden in a reproduction. With others it's standing among a whole bunch of works by the same artist.
I've heard several people say that a visit to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam was extremely emotional, almost overwhelming. I would have to concur. And now when I look at reproductions of his paintings, I've that experience to pull on too.
I use real sand to mix with the painting in the foreground and I glued a broken carapace on the outlined turtle in the bottom right corner to symbolize nature and Mother Earth. (Some cultures believe the turtle – the oldest symbol for the Earth – is its guardian and protector. Others think that when you see one it is a sign you need to get connected to your primal essence.)
From the Painting Guide: Looking at this painting for the first time, my eyes were pulled right in by that intense strip of green, then gradually moved outward and around the painting. It's got a very strong sense of earthliness, something I'm sure is stronger in real life when all the textures can be seen clearly.
Things to Consider When Looking at This Painting:
Visiting Art Galleries vs Reproductions: I can never really believe my ears when I hear someone questioning the value of visiting art galleries or museums to see paintings in real life, rather than only in reproduction or photos. Sure, a crowded show isn't much fun, but most galleries have 'unpopular' rooms or quiet times, when you can look at paintings without getting your elbows jostled or someone trying to move you along.
Just as the photo of this painting doesn't show you all the texture that exists, so not even the best modern reproductions can beat the feeling of standing in front of the canvas that the artist actually painted. With many paintings, there's the sheer size; with others there's texture or small detail that's hidden in a reproduction. With others it's standing among a whole bunch of works by the same artist.
I've heard several people say that a visit to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam was extremely emotional, almost overwhelming. I would have to concur. And now when I look at reproductions of his paintings, I've that experience to pull on too.