Are we under the sea again?

Kathryn V. Crabbe. 2012. Presence. Acrylic on canvas, 48 x 48 inches. Presence is unusual in that it's strictly acrylic on canvas, no pastel or charcoal was used. Presence is part of the Journey Into Intimacy Series; an abstract, expressionistic series of mixed media paintings exploring intimacy using symbolic forms found in nature. I posted this painting on Facebook and received these comments:

Love this, like a dream catcher with a pool of tears, vulnerable, pouring out. Are we under the sea again? Oyster. Pearl.

Recently, a painter friend asked me, "What were you thinking as you painted?" and I found myself waxing eloquent, which surprised me because it was the act itself of speaking aloud which helped me understand the 'why'.

To me, Presence depicts a mystical, other-worldly landscape with an ethereal glowing 'presence' or circular object which could represent the moon or the sun. Forcing myself to keep it simple and uncluttered I filled the negative space with a misty blend of creamy whites, smokey greys and aqua.

More paintings from this series can be viewed here.