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A major characteristic of our Island’s green, rural landscape is the distribution of lime-washed cottages, farmsteads and rural Victorian villas. All of which, once were homes for country folk. Originally they demonstrated a rural vernacular architecture, which reflected the occupations and social status of the Manx agricultural population. In this century, all too often, these buildings are being enlarged to accommodate modern living requirements which, in its way, may be laudable and necessary, but a consequence is the inevitable loss of the original defining character of the buildings.
Alternatively, some of these one time busy homesteads are now weatherbeaten, neglected and often abandoned, mere shadows of their former selves. Their original purpose now shrouded in mist and represented only in the bones of the building’s structure.
Val’s paintings are modern landscapes which aim to encompass the essence of Manx country dwellings in their settings. Yesterday’s hazy memory is presented as fresh and imaginative in contrast to the one time reality. Using multiple layers of translucent colour to create moody contrasts of light and dark, Val is aiming to reflect an impression which is removed from the actuality. A muted palette of subtracted hues adds the air of mystery.
Medium: oil on board
Dimensions: 63.5 x 68.5 cms
Alternatively, some of these one time busy homesteads are now weatherbeaten, neglected and often abandoned, mere shadows of their former selves. Their original purpose now shrouded in mist and represented only in the bones of the building’s structure.
Val’s paintings are modern landscapes which aim to encompass the essence of Manx country dwellings in their settings. Yesterday’s hazy memory is presented as fresh and imaginative in contrast to the one time reality. Using multiple layers of translucent colour to create moody contrasts of light and dark, Val is aiming to reflect an impression which is removed from the actuality. A muted palette of subtracted hues adds the air of mystery.
Medium: oil on board
Dimensions: 63.5 x 68.5 cms