The Heart of the Dawn: A Watercolor Crayon Dry Wet / Matthew Natale

Description: The Heart of the Dawn by Matthew Natale This captivating abstract watercolor crayon piece, "The Heart of Dawn," by Florida artist Matthew Natale, invites you to experience the raw energy and captivating beauty of color. Measuring 18x24" and executed on high-quality 140lb watercolor paper, this artwork is a testament to Natale's mastery of texture and his unique artistic vision. The eye is immediately drawn to the vibrant, almost pulsating, pink center. This central form, reminiscent of a glowing orb or perhaps a blooming flower, radiates outwards, its energy seemingly rippling through the surrounding layers of orange. Natale's masterful blending of these hues creates a sense of depth and movement, as if the colors themselves are dancing across the surface. The texture, achieved through the dry application of watercolor crayon and subsequent wetting, adds another layer of complexity to the piece. The subtle ridges and grooves catch the light, creating a captivating interplay of light and shadow that enhances the sense of depth and dimension. The rougher texture surrounding the central pink form contrasts beautifully with the smoother, almost ethereal quality of the orb itself, further emphasizing its luminosity. The "dry then wet" technique used in this painting creates a fascinating interplay of color and texture that contributes significantly to its visual impact. Here's a closer look: Color: Layering and Blending: Applying the watercolor crayon dry allows for a more concentrated pigment load on the paper. This creates a base layer of intense color. When water is then applied, the pigment reactivates, allowing for controlled blending and layering. Notice how the pink seems to glow from within, achieved by layering lighter and darker shades of pink before activating the pigment with water. The orange, similarly, transitions seamlessly from a deeper hue at the edges to a brighter, almost yellow-tinged orange near the center, showcasing the artist's control over color gradients. Granulation: Watercolor crayons, especially when used dry, can create a beautiful granulated effect. This means that the pigment particles settle in the paper's texture, creating subtle variations in color density. Look closely at the orange areas - you'll notice tiny specks of lighter and darker tones within the overall wash, adding a sense of depth and visual interest. Texture: Surface Variation: The dry application of the crayon emphasizes the paper's texture. The crayon clings to the raised areas of the paper, leaving subtle grooves and ridges. This creates a tactile quality that draws the viewer in. Controlled Washes: When water is applied to the dry crayon, it reactivates the pigment and allows for controlled washes. The artist can manipulate the water flow to create soft edges, hard edges, and even intentional blooms (those beautiful, irregular edges that happen when water pushes pigment outward). Notice how the edges of the central pink form have a softer, more diffused look, while some of the outer edges of the orange show a harder line, demonstrating the artist's control over the water and pigment. In essence, the "dry then wet" technique allows the artist to build up layers of color and texture, resulting in a piece that is both visually dynamic and emotionally resonant. The painting becomes a dialogue between the artist's hand, the water, and the pigment, resulting in a truly unique and captivating work of art. This artwork is part of a larger collection of over 400 pieces by Matthew Natale, each showcasing his unique ability to evoke emotion and inspire contemplation through the interplay of color, texture, and form. "The Heart of Dawn" is a stunning example of Natale's artistic prowess, a piece that will undoubtedly become a conversation starter and a source of visual delight in any space it graces. #412

Price: 150 USD

Location: Okeechobee, Florida

End Time: 2025-01-15T18:07:11.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD