Lockdown Art by Doina Moss
The lockdown due to Covid-19 pandemic presented me with new challenges, as normally I prefer to be immersed in the landscape which I paint. The light moves and the atmosphere changes the mood. Sometimes a flicker happens triggering the painting to move a different direction.
To be able to extract that essence while not able to sit outside with my canvas, I had to resort at applying other methods, the old Art Studio approach.
Firstly, I find an inspiring location. I start taking photos and analyse the light and the composition, the best angles to capture. The next day I go with a sketch book and I place the perspective on the page, framing what if feels relevant. I make notes on the colours, especially when low sun light is involved as a normal camera changes the spectrum and range of colours, for example yellow light becomes white, orange becomes yellow.
When I am happy with all the information, I start my canvas. I paint in oils and the techniques requires lots of layers which take time to dry. I use different mediums, depending on the speed of drying required, from various types of Linseed oil to Liquin original or fine detail. I use the Old Masters techniques mixed with the contemporary methods. I take interim photos between layers.
After the first two layers, I go back to the site to check if the perspective is correct and take another note of the colours and the effects of the light and shadow.
The paintings tend to finish themselves, they all evolve from the initial concept and they tell you when they are ready, if you know how to listen, they help you to reach the point when no more brushstrokes are required.
After this point, it is good to visit the location again to observe any last touches. Signing the work is a signal to leave it alone and sit back.
With all my paintings, my search is for the positive side of life, taking energy and inspiration from nature.
The Corona Effect 50 x 40 cm was my first lockdown painting in March 2020.
We are confined to walking around our places of residence. I am fortunate to be located near the river Thames. A corner of outstanding beauty, at the Garrick Temple in Hampton, is the subject of my painting. This is a place connecting a Georgian style Temple to a landscape designed by Capability Brown, strongly related to the river. Attracted by the serenity of this small park, people come to recharge in the all weathers. The Covid effect keeps people away from all public places but there are sporadic visitors. Sometimes the dogs accompany them. This dog is a reference to the depression (fighting your dog) but I have chosen a Golden retriever to focus on the positive side of the isolation.
This landscape location incorporates amazing sunsets and the drama for this particular sunset captured my imagination. It was at the beginning of the lockdown and this felt as a dark cloud was coming to oppress us. But it had a Golden lining from the sunset, creating a strong and vivid contrast. This is the power of nature to draw us in, captivating and helping us forget the transient worries.
The Corona Effect 50 x 40 cm
Isolation 40 x 30 cm
My second painting “Isolation” 40 x 30 cm sees March evolving and the green shoots emerging. One evening I saw a beautiful white swan eating the willow tree buds. The swan was beautifully framed by the willow, forming a golden cage, the long branches caressing the river ripples which carried myriad shades of orange and yellow reflected from the sunset.
A small reminder of the lockdown is symbolised by a discarded floating face mask, hopefully a symbol of a transient episode in the history of humanity.
Joie De Vivre, 76 x 61 cm
The seasons are very distinct through the type of flowers and plants in bloom. In April, there is a display of oversized azalea shrubs in vivid overlapping colours, creating delightful layers of Surreal juxtaposition in the Bushy Park woodland.
The group in my painting grasped my attention one afternoon, as the low rays of the sun cast myriads of reflections, multiplying the effect of the rich colours and deepening the surreality. The green foliage context of the crimson and vermillion azaleas set them off with added energy. Walking through the woodland and suddenly seeing this group filled me with energy and enthusiasm. The azaleas are on the bank of a little stream which adds to the dramatic effect, carrying reflections along. You want to touch them but the stream keeps us apart. The low evening sun light was adding warm shades and reflections, bringing the landscape alive. It felt that life was good, all memories of the lockdown vanished, it is nature’s therapy of keeping us interested in life, immersed in the sublime: Joie de Vivre!
Joie De Vivre, 76 x 61 cm
The Gate to Paradise 40 x 30 cm
The Gate to Paradise 40 x 30 cm is a group of elements composed around an unique water spring, coming out from underground through a vortex. To me, this is a bit like a Black Hole.
The pond attracts natural diversity, a lot of spring life at the pond. The dynamic between the elements produces a strong effect of spring synchronicity which I tried to capture. One evening, the last sunrays cast golden reflections and deep shades over the cherry tree. A gasp of wind pulled some blossom petals away, a reminder of the transience of beauty.
The wind sweeps the blossom away into the vortex of the spring, which catapults the petals into new trajectories!
Oceanides 91 x 61 cm is a painting which I started last September but only now managed to finish it.
The Baroque water fountain in Twickenham, London, depicting Venus riding two winged horses and group of supporting Nymphs.
Capturing the light from behind, casting long beams of light had the effect of unifying the dynamic composition, emphasising the water effect of the fountain.
Oceanides 91 x 61 cm
Abstract Azaleas 1 & 2 continued the theme of azaleas in Bushy Park but experimenting with an abstract method of interpretation, inspired by Gerald Richter, a great contemporary German artist.
Enchanting Woodland 76 x 61 cm
The seasons are very distinct through the type of flowers and plants in bloom. In April / May, there is a display of azalea shrubs in vivid overlapping colours, creating delightful layers of Surreal juxtaposition with the woodland.
The azaleas are on the bank of a little pond which adds to the dramatic effect, creating a stage, a pedestal for the display, reflected by the still water. The low evening sun light was adding warm shades and reflections, bringing the landscape alive with reflections into the pond. The willow tree captured suddenly a breeze, turning the dynamic in the opposite direction of the sun beam.
Enchanting Woodland 76 x 61 cm
Reflections 76 x 61 cm
Reflections 76 x 61 cm
Towards the middle of May, when I thought that most of the azaleas faded away, I explored the second woodland and there, on a shielded side of the long pond I found a group of purple azaleas. The evening sun casting Contre-jour light effects invited me to start sketching.
First layer
The Light at the End of the Tunnel 30 x 40 cm
The Light at the End of the Tunnel 30 x 40 cm
I would like to conclude my lockdown journey, now that we have entered a semi-lockdown era, with a positive note of hope.
A green tunnel of trees framing the deep perspective of the gleaming stream in the Woodland at Bushy Park, with a glowing evening light at the end, carried through the tunnel towards us, the speed of light travelling through the stillness of the water seems to be propelled by the breeze.
Bushy Park gives me infinite sources of inspiration, as the seasons change, different scenes will take centre stage.
All my paintings will be moved at the gallery for framing, meanwhile I enjoy sharing them virtually with you.
Later edit: 9th June 2020
In preparation for our Gallery re-opening on the 15th of June, artist Doina Moss presents her new window display and a freshly reorganised wall inside the gallery, showcasing all the latest paintings done during the Lockdown. The window includes artworks by Mary Burtenshaw, Anthony Dyson and Doina Moss.
The graffiti is reminiscent of chaos as a background to order. It is about finding optimism within ourselves and projecting that image, reaching beyond the anxiety of avoiding catching an invisible bug. By keeping our distance, we will still be able to achieve communication.
As Richmond Open House Studio is postponed for the time being, we will be able to open the door for individual visitors, in line with the Government guidance.
