Chelone 2018

James Jean made this painting, Chelone, using oil and acrylic. Look how this image has emerged through trial and error. See the blending of colours, shapes and patterns, the artist has coaxed a mythical figure into being. Chelone was a nymph who was turned into a turtle in Greek mythology, and here, she's surrounded by swirling waves and crowned with shell and coral. I sympathize with Jean in making this painting, thinking, what was it like? What would I be thinking? Maybe you get that feeling of connection with other painters? Jean is dealing with the materiality of painting. The surface is a soft airbrush which contrasts with the detailed linear elements to create a captivating push and pull. The artist uses that single gesture of the wave to communicate feeling and meaning. Artists are in an ongoing conversation, and it encourages each other's creativity. Painting embraces uncertainty, allowing for multiple interpretations.