Secret Forest, Shadows and Light Acrylic

Secret Forest, Shadows and Light is a serene, lyrical interpretation of a woodland sanctuary where shadows and light weave their quiet magic. Sunbeams drift through a canopy of soft leaves their golden warmth spilling onto a mosaic-like forest floor shimmering with touches of turquoise, copper, and gold. The interplay of light and shade creates an atmosphere of gentle mystery, an imagined forest where time seems to slow, secrets settle softly between the trees, and a dreamlike tranquillity envelops the viewer. This original, one-of-a-kind painting is created on a deep edged canvas. The process begins outdoors, through direct observation, drawing in a sketchbook and photographs. In the studio, the piece evolves intuitively with imagination and memory, base layers are brushed in with gestural movements, followed by successive layers of impasto applied with a palette knife. Drawing inspiration from Impressionists' optical mixing and traditional techniques such as scumbling and glazing, the work builds gradually, creating a dialogue or interpretation of nature expressed by transparent veils of light and textured fragments of colour. The final painting lies between abstraction and realism, the carefully applied palette knife strokes creating a texture and luminosity that have been likened to stained glass windows.