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Standing Strong

 
A new commissioned work

In February, I was glad to accept this commission intended for a special occasion happening this summer. The task was quite challenging; we agreed that I would create not just a landscape painting but rather a portrait of a certain solitary pine tree growing in the old dunes here on the island. That tree holds special meaning and emotional memories for the commissioner and their family. 

What could the story be? Beyond themes of solitude or loneliness, perhaps it could also reflect resilience, strength in adversity, fortitude and conviction. As well as fragility and defencelessness. I contemplated how these qualities relate to humans, focusing on building that resilience, confidence, and mental or physical fortitude in the face of challenges. Standing strong.

I made some small studies, in pencil and in colour. Some previous works featuring this landscape also provided useful references. Ultimately, I decided to use a portrait format for the canvas and began painting...  



Standing Strong (in Solitude). Oil on canvas, 50 x 40 cm. View the finished piece in my gallery. 

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