A little colour can go a long way! There’s a long history of miniature Art, created as keepsakes in small frames and lockets. It was often kept close by as a reminder of a loved one before the portrait photograph became popular in the 1840s. The modern definition of those pocket creations appears to be objects created within 100cm. This dinky canvas doesn’t quite fits within that reference, coming in at a monstrous 12 x 12cm! I do think these compact compositions are excellent for gifting and that’s what this latest painting of the Compton Acres Italian Garden has been made for.
It’s quite an expressive study but hopefully the recipient recognised the fountain at the heart of it. I certainly enjoyed finding the different shades of green across the deep banks of foliage. As always it felt important to leave some areas without line work… letting the brushwork create the right impression. A big thank you to Joan for commissioning this little Compton Acres gift!
If you’d like to find me online: https://linktr.ee/illustrationbyjonathan. As always, I love to hear your suggestions, so please get in touch with those interesting places you have discovered! And of course, if you are interested in commissioning a painting like ‘Compton Acres’ please do check out my private commission guide.
