23 February 2025

Forest Break, 2016

James Brown

“Forest Break”, 2016

Oil on canvas

Size: 60 x 60 cm

I am genuinely pleased with the outcome of this painting. The brushstrokes convey a sense of directness and certainty that I strive for in my work. It's not so much that each mark is meticulously “just right,” but rather that the overall flow of strokes feels authentic and reflects my thoughts and actions during the process.

Take, for example, the central tree; I can almost retrace the hesitations I experienced while painting it. I understood that the tree was far more than just a tall vertical form. It possessed a dynamic quality, with lateral movements in its structure. There are areas where the form of the tree pictorially dissolves into its surroundings, while in other sections, the tree’s form stands out as well-defined.

Another element of this painting that I find particularly satisfying is that a significant portion of the white from the underlying gesso ground is retained. For me, allowing the white underlayer to show through adds a sense of luminosity. Keeping the white ground also helps to showcase each brushstroke, as I believe every mark encapsulates a moment of expression and thought, contributing to the overall narrative of the piece.










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