big surfers maroon Print

This work was inspired by surfers at my local beach in their playing in the ocean in their wetsuits able to enjoy life during lockdown as the beaches have not been closed. I have observed their behavior for the last 10 years and been impressed by the control and fluid grace they display as i draw them from the shore. I hope viewers will be taken to the beach and be able to feel the sky and vastness of the sea . I hope they can enjoy the aquatic vibe. I chose paper layered and glued as it creates a buckled and variegated surface on which to paint. It is less precious than canvas or linen and allows an increased freedom to play with materials without feeling anxious about the possibility of wasting them. Mistakes are allowable as the surfers also make them. The parallel with their activities which are quixotic and immediate in response to the ocean and its currents is what i want to convey in these works.I worked in two stages on this piece,firstly in the studio away from the beach and then later at the beach painting the figures as they appeared.