Portfolio Room from Cathy Read

A patchwork of yellow and orange permeates your vision, taking your eyes down and to the left. Then, “Oh No!” there’s more hiding in the middle right.

The sassy taxi shouts “Look at me! Bet you can’t ignore my rich red tones and gorgeous reflective surfaces.” The black car is trying to creep out of sight and the small purple one begins to vanish in the middle.

The whole scene is dominated by an elaborate glass roof. Heavy, bold, with hints of delicate scroll-work in the iron trusses. Colours fight for attention saying “Have you seen me?” “No Me!” and your eye darts around as you discover new hitherto unseen elements. The traffic cone, the radiator grille. What’s that behind the purple car in the middle? It looks like a dress? You look at the brick pavement. Then wonder, Did she draw everyone? What’s that on the road? Can I make it out what it says? What’s that post there? Can you see those blue highlights? And look at those trials of ink.
OK calm down! Breathe…

There’s so much energy and movement, you want to sit quietly until the calmness returns.

Then you’re off again. Where is everybody? Can I make out the taxi driver? Hang on what colour IS that car? I thought it was black but now i see hints of blue.

And so it continues!

Some paintings can be exhausting, which is why you should return, because next time you’ll see something completely different.

Creation: Masking fluid is painted onto watercolour paper to create an image. This is covered with a watercolour wash and covered with clingfilm. The picture is further developed using acrylic inks once the film is removed. The masking is removed after several layers are added and allowed to dry. Revealing the final picture.