Acrylic on canvas, stretched and ready to hang.

Signed on the front.

Octopuses are fascinating creatures with so much unexplained intelligence. They are complex with dynamic movement that makes them quite challenging to capture in paintings. Combining a neutral almost monochrome palette with the complexity of the shape brings the technique into sharp focus. The resulting artwork is a unique piece that uses one colour and various application techniques to give the creature three dimensional shape. When you look up close at this painting you can see all the very fine lines to indicate pattern and texture, layered on top of washes of colour that create shape.

This piece is quite large at 152cm (5’) wide and really captures a viewers attention. You can’t help but look up close to see all the fine details as well as appreciating the overall shape of the octopus.

I love painting the octopus both for the challenge and the reward of the final piece.