Peaceful Reflection 24"X30" Acrylic on Birchwood Panel
Peaceful Reflection 24"X30" Acrylic on Birchwood Panel
This painting by Lesley Friedmann, titled "Peaceful Reflection," presents a lush and serene view of the sunken garden pond at Butchart Gardens. From the south end looking north, the composition features a tranquil pond teeming with water lilies and bordered by willow trees and assorted foliage. The pond's surface reflects the surrounding garden, creating a harmonious interplay of color and light.
The textural richness of the painting suggests Lesley has employed a technique of building up the surface with thick applications of acrylic paint and moulding paste, to create a rich textured surface that suggests a three-dimensional quality to the flora. The layers of glaze applied over these textures would serve to enhance the vibrancy of the colors and contribute to the overall depth of the scene. "Peaceful Reflection" embodies a sense of tranquility and natural beauty, characteristic of Friedmann's floral landscapes, with a particular emphasis on the interplay between light and the natural environment. The painting's vivid and varied palette, combined with the dynamic textures, effectively captures the essence of Butchart Gardens, a subject that clearly inspires much of Friedmann's work.