The Sound of Phthalo

“Sky bright & colourless with promise of day, contests the cool air and dark shadows. Houses, partially hidden, stand tall—quietly watchful as boats, tension broken, wiggle with windows winking. Trees, their branches dipping, anticipate sun’s first tickle. And in waters green all this is seen, a moment, reflected, remembered, and held with in the Phthalo”.

Using a painting knife and oil, Miranda Joy Summers captures the essence of water and land, the interplay between soluble and solid matter. Her knife strokes are deliberate and expressive, shaping the scene through tone and form. She emphasises the dynamic interplay between negative and positive space, creating a unique dialogue between the foreground and the perceived distance, effectively reducing spatial separation. This technique challenges conventional perceptions of landscape painting, inviting viewers to engage with both the foreground and distance in a similarly subjective way.