The placement of one single line—the horizon line —is incredibly important.
Viewed every morning, meditating on the unbroken horizon, forms a ritualistic practice. Framed perfectly from the studio window. A compositional decision, dividing the sky and sea depending on a particular ratio of interest or dictated by the chosen substrate. Applying paint, beginning with the sky, sometimes the sea. Attracted by fleeting detail. A colour combination. A breakthrough of light. A passing cloud, or an intensity of shadow. Painting both from life and an internal dictionary/archive cataloguing the states of the sea and shifts in light developed from repetition.
The familiarity with the states of the sea allows the ability to preempt the coming meteorological phenomena, responding, reacting intuitively with an appropriate palette. Routine muscle memory and mark making capture swiftly the dramatic and subtle changes of light, colour and tonal shifts. The pace changes in reflection to the subject and the day.
The use of metalic lacquers and leaf creates a kinetic dimension to some work. Creating a play of light that echos the effects of the sun and the moon on the sea in real time as the light changes in the room.
The Horizon holds a sense of equilibrium, significance and rudimental technique.
Regardless of subject horizon is intrinsic to compositional perspective.
Symbolic of limitation and expansion. Of new ideas, travel, possibilites can give a whole new meaning to life. the edge of something in a figurative sense. When you are thinking about your life, it can be difficult to get very far beyond where you are.
Beyond -
To have an unbroken horizon is to have clarity of thought, possibilities
Weathering the storm or the peace of the sea.