HIS MAJESTY THE KING Print

HIS MAJESTY THE KING King Gustav VI Adolf (1882-1973) of Sweden, known for his scholarly pursuits and passion for archaeology, reigned from 1950 to 1973. For 68 years, he chose Sofiero Castle as his summer retreat, where he fostered a deep love for its park and rhododendrons. By the time of his passing in 1973, the garden boasted 5,000 plants, a number that has since flourished to 10,000, showcasing a diverse array of 500 varieties. The head gardener, Ingvar Danielsson, played a pivotal role in the evolution of this botanical haven. During a casual stroll through the grounds, Danielsson suggested planting daisies, to which the king enthusiastically agreed, saying, "Indeed, Danielsson, let's plant daisies." This delightful episode offers a charming glimpse into the king's hands-on approach to cultivating his beloved garden. The artwork is executed in oil on canvas on Masonite. The technique employed is known as pointillism. This entails dotting the surface with the tip of a thin brush. In this way, a unique shimmer is achieved. This shimmer is highly light-sensitive and changes character depending on the direction of the light source. The technique is very time-consuming. This piece measures 47x78 cm, and the estimated number of dots is around 50,000. My inspiration is the beauty found in the combination of people and nature.