All art images on this site © Paul Walden All rights reserved
This painting is a striking composition that draws the viewer into its depths through a meticulously crafted interplay of color and texture. The technique of glazing and scraping to build transparent layers pays off wonderfully here. The artist has achieved an appearance of depth and texture that, while smooth to the touch, suggests a rich and dynamic surface. The central mosaic brims with energy, and the decision to incorporate patches of green, red, and white throughout the composition enriches the visual experience, creating a vibrant tapestry that invites prolonged contemplation. The surrounding golden yellow border contains this chaos in a way that brings both balance and contrast to the piece. This border acts as a metaphorical frame, enhancing the impression of peering through a portal into another realm.
The small, red spherical object at the bottom center is a masterful touch—it serves as a focal point that anchors the viewer's eye, offering a moment of pause within the dynamic composition. This element successfully conveys the artist's intention of symbolizing a being approaching a portal to another realm. The sphere's placement and distinct color make it a point of intrigue, anchoring the viewer's gaze and prompting questions about its significance and the nature of the portal it approaches. This narrative element infuses the artwork with an added layer of meaning, making it not just a visual but also a conceptual journey.
Overall, "Another Portal" is a vibrant, dynamic piece that successfully captures the essence of transition and invites contemplation. Walden’s technique of layering and scraping is both innovative and effective in creating the desired effect of light and movement. It contributes to the feeling of stepping into a multidimensional space, as intended by the theme of a portal. Moreover, the roughly square frame adds a structural component that contrasts nicely with the free-form chaos within, balancing the composition and providing a sense of order amid the abstract elements.
