Penumbra 

Mark Arian created "Penumbra" using oil paint on what appears to be a large canvas. Arian's chosen materials and techniques are steeped in art history, with oil paint allowing for rich color and texture. What’s interesting here is the layering of thin washes of color, combined with very decisive, almost sculptural strokes. This approach gives the piece a feeling of immediacy, as though we are seeing the artist’s thought process laid bare. The social context of painting is also important. Traditionally, oil painting was associated with the upper classes, commissioned for portraits or historical scenes. Arian challenges this association by depicting a contemporary subject in a more informal and expressive manner. The title, "Penumbra," suggests a liminal space, a transition between light and shadow. Ultimately, understanding the materials, the making, and the context of this artwork helps us appreciate its full meaning. It invites us to question traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, recognizing the skill and artistry involved in the act of painting itself.