Reflections of Light, Mr. Turtle – Oil on Canvas

This is the first in the Reflection series.

The dominate elements in this painting Reflections of Light, Mr. Turtle are the reflections on the water. There are patches of water which reflect the blue sky while the rest of the water is criss crossed with the reflections of the tall reeds and the one turtle. In the upper part of the painting are the ends of the reeds. The focal point is the turtle sitting on a plank of wood which is surrounded by water.

I began the painting by blocking the canvas into two different colours. A dusty sky blue for the water and a vibrant green for the reeds.

I created a puzzle to solve when I choose to do this painting. I needed to show the difference between the reflections in the water and the real elements, while still giving a “trompe l’oeil” effect.  To trick the eye of the viewer of the painting. I want the viewer engaged in trying to find the difference between the reflections on the water and those elements sitting in the water.

I used a heavy amount of paint (impasto) for the reeds in the background to show that they were the real image of the reeds. I “watered” down the paint by adding a solvent (oil) when painting the water.

This painting is dedicated to my husband who has a lovely kind heart. I am very proud to say that I am your wife. Happy anniversary !