9651-Effervescence - Swimming Painting

Artist: Abi Whitlock

My work focuses predominately on the human form and how the mind and body are affected when immersed in water.
This is mirrored by the way light is refracted and reflected, distorting and enhancing color and shape. I try to capture the way entering the water enables the swimmer to enter an altered state of mind; a form of escapism from the real world.
My inspiration comes from life on the coast, trips to the beach and outdoor pools. Swimming in the sea reacquainted me with childhood memories of learning to swim; my first discovery of the extraordinary experience of being underwater and holiday’s abroad snorkeling.The way I work puts emphasis on minute detail.
Every aspect of the picture is given value, not just the focal point of the painting but also the intricacies of the background which are so often an after-thought. When I paint find myself becoming immersed in the piece; as if I myself am being submerged. Although I work in a very realist style, painting water creates natural abstraction within the piece. Water and its interplay with light generate unusual, distorted and complex patterns, altering the perception of everyday images.

Statement: This painting is around a centimeter longer than similar works in the series due to being painted on a different brand of canvas. Be aware should you wish to hang it alongside others in the collection.
The swimmer sinks into the cool depths. Above her a kaleidoscope of color erupts over the water’s surface.