A Conch shell, walnut & a dead leaf accompany the age old motif of mortality - a human skull. The warm palette of browns and soft pink create a harmonious relationship between the objects contrasting with the cool green of the stone top on which they now sit. Here the brown leaf has been drained of life, its veins dry and curling into itself. The diagonal of the stem points upward to the skull, alluding to the power and potential of the human mind that had once occupied it. This along with the split walnut serves as a reminder of the importance of thought, knowledge and wisdom and the ingenuity of the human psyche.
The painting is done on a 3mm sanded birch surface finished by a solid pine wood frame. The panel was sealed and then triple primed before receiving an oil ground. This was the first time painting on panel and it was an enjoyable change from canvas. The smooth surface lends itself well to oil-painting and enables an extremely smooth surface and intricate detail.
If you are interested in this painting or any of my work and would like to see it or any others in person please don’t hesitate to ask.
