Art as Commission by Doina Moss
A blog by Doina Moss
My painting journey took me to new directions, as the Lockdown helped us to focus on the natural world, more than before. The limitation of activities brought the nature to the foreground and also the way we interact with what we see, changed the emphasis.
My new inspiration was the bond between the people and the animal world, observing the animal’s behaviour and interacting with them.
People acquired new pets and cherished a new connection.
My pets series started at Easter, wanted to make a card with a family of rabbits for a small delightful boy, I ended up painting two small artworks inspired from the spring activity of Bushy Park. The awakening of nature started with the first layers of spring flowers and the rabbits came out to enjoy the sunshine. My little friend boy adored the rabbits and always carried carrots with him to feed them, exploring the deep bushes in the woodland. He was always delighted when encountering the rabbits. I knew that the little boy was moving to a new home with his mother, renovating beautifully, as we discussed the architectural aspects but I also wanted them to have some personal artworks for their new walls. This inspired me to produce the two artworks, to bring the nature inside the little boys’ room.
The second set of painting for this young family was inspired by seeing their bond with a beautiful white horse. I was profoundly inspired by their bond and immediately produced two artworks which delighted them tremendously.
Framing ‘The Bond’
We discussed the framing options for all the four paintings and Leigh helped them choose some contemporary frames, with a bit of silver detail and art glass.
The client is extremely happy with the result, acquiring four bespoke small paintings to decorate the new home.
Meeting some other friends, I encountered a very clever and confident young Husky who interacted with my camera, seemed very pleased to be the centre of attention and really smiled when I photographed her. Luna is a beautiful puppy and the owners are delighted with the portrait of their pet.
Magic Tunnel, oil on canvas 60 x 60 cm
The next source of inspiration was drawn from the fauna found in the woodland, a micro universe and oasis of peace and contemplation for my walks. New layers of flowers evolve every week, adding to the spring spectacle, colours and textures deepening the senses, a tunnel of camelias growing deeper, the light filtering enhancing the vivacious and luscious camelia. One day a fox was waiting for me in the tunnel and I added this to my painting.
The beginning of lockdown confined me to the smaller green lawn by Garrick Temple, where I go very often to observe the spectacular sunsets and where I see various lovely dogs walking by. This Golden Labrador grasped my attention and I see it as a token of optimism.
The Corona Effect, oil on canvas 50x40 cm
To end this series of natural encounters, I present a beautiful swan that looked oblivious to the human dilemma and isolation, the willow tree is a golden cage full of hope and renewal.
Isolation, oil on canvas 40x30 cm