Harlequin

Oil and gold leaf on canvas. Framed in recycled Rimu

About this work

This painting is inspired by Picasso’s painting Family of Saltimbatiques (itinerant circus performers). I was drawn to the harlequin aesthetic in particular the colours used. My painting is an abstract response to Picasso’s work.

 About my technique

This work comprises many layers. A base colour of red, then modelling paste to create the texture, gold leaf and many layers of different colours of oil paint to build up the surface. Using layers allows the colours below to show through and influence the colours on top. I like to use layers because of the depth of colour it creates and it is what oil paints are particularly good for. In the modelling paste I made impressions and stamp marks using fabric with ornate details to create the 3-d pattern effect.

Dimensions: 43w x 124h cm