Flight of Fancy 1983

Robert Peak's "Flight of Fancy" is a watercolour fantasy of colour and form. The loose, flowing marks and blended hues capture a sense of motion, blurring the boundaries between the figure and her surroundings. The magic lies in the way Peak handles the watercolour. See how the colours bleed into each other, creating soft, luminous effects? The figure emerges from washes of pink and red, as if she's part of a dream. There are thin layers, like delicate veils, and other areas where the pigment pools, creating darker accents. It's like he's letting the water do its thing, guiding the colours but also embracing the accidents. Look at the light, circular forms around the figure. Are they spotlights, or are they just pure, abstract shapes? Peak reminds me a little of Joan Mitchell in his use of colour, inviting us to lose ourselves in the sheer pleasure of seeing. After all, why settle for one explanation when you can have a whole bunch?