STORM’S OUTSIDE, February 2025

Storm’s Outside wants to celebrate AJ and I set myself a challenge: to create an image which would  live up to the rich cerulean ground. I don’t know a huge amount about grounds but now that I have found them, I can’t imagine making a painting without one. 

Every brushstroke here is in conversation with that rich and gorgeous blue colour beneath it. As far as I know, this ultramarine colour was beloved of medieval artists and in particular was used to express beauty and to bring the warmth of skin tones into relief. I often use grounds which fight with the subject, but in Storm’s Outside, the browns and pinks have a great time with that blue. 

The composition references 18th century portraiture. With one hand, AJ holds his glass, a few marks suggest the light, with the other, he strokes a lap dog. Combined with the form of wingback armchair and chippendale dining chair, the composition echoes and amplifies AJ’s natural elegance.

It’s all of that moment, a fluid spontaneous gesture (and using the gouache AJ gave me for Christmas).

Gouache on Stone Paper, 29 × 21 cm

Private Collection: Emily Hadwen