"ARTifact #17" is an abstract painting that employs a vibrant palette of blues, reds, yellows, and splashes of other colors. There are broad strokes and patches of color that overlay and intersect, creating a dynamic composition. On the left side, layers of translucid paint form a textured backdrop with hints of green and sections where the canvas shows through, suggesting depth and movement.
The central region of the painting features vertical black streaks atop a red splash, accentuating the contrast with the lighter blue and white areas nearby. This play of dark lines against a lighter field suggests a sense of depth or a reference to other forms like dripping or cascading elements.
To the right, bold blocks of color with defined yellow and red shapes cut across the canvas, perhaps providing a visual anchor in the midst of the more fluid and overlapping forms that dominate the piece. There are also areas where the color seems to be scraped or removed, adding to the textural variety of the surface.
This canvas is framed, offering a defined boundary for the exuberant expression contained within it. The artwork is strongly evocative, open to interpretation, with its rich textures, color interplay, and gestural brushwork engaging the viewer's imagination.
"My ARTifact series is inspired by the natural processes of weather, time, cause and effect. Celebrating the beauty of a well-worn surface and an aesthetic of imperfection. My works are developed as a visceral response to my environment, ambiguous organic forms emerge from a play on negative and positive space. Balancing, barely touching yet they create tension between the shapes. The varied material I use are subjected to layering, peeling, scraping, scratching, heat and abrasion, in a similar way in which earth’s surface is exposed to the elements of fire, wind and water. My process is equally accidental and purposeful, intuitive and thoughtful. As paint is applied, then scratched and scraped back, a narrative is generated and a layering of history is revealed. "
Original mixed media abstract oil painting by Stevenjohn McHugh titled "ARTifact #17". Measures 12" x 12" x 1.5. Framed size is 12.75 x 12.75" x 2.5". Mixed media with oil stick, marker, oil, graphite, charcoal and cold wax on Arches oil paper glued on wood panel with PH balance glue. Side of wood cradle (solid wood) is varished natural. Signed on front and back. Framed is a vanished gallery frame solid wood. Shipping included in the U.S. Shop at www.stevemchughart.com #madelineisland #stevemchughart.com #bayfieldwi #apostleislands #wisconsinartist #mixedmedia #modernart #contemporaryart #painting #contemporarypainter #paintstudio #artgallery #fineart #abstractart #artcollector #originalart #contemporaryartwork #studio #artgallery #artcollector #artadvisor #artcurator #abstraction #abstractart #abstractpainting #artcollector #artistoninstagram #stevenjohnmchugh #Aninhinabewakilands #artistinthewoods #lakegitchegumee