Just as cool as you please - Study in tone

“Just as cool as you please” refers to a line in the poem “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou. The poem illustrates just how stunning and alluring confidence is. Angelou writes that she is not “cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size,” but she keeps her head high and her stride strong because she knows she is a phenomenal woman. This is my hope and desire for every single woman I know - including my model that inspires this painting. The reference photo for this painting was captured underwater whilst on a photo shoot in Bitter Springs, Mataranka, Northern Territory. Bright and contrasting colours of the season - orange and blue, purple and yellow - give a fresh vibrancy that would be perfect for the beach house or the pool pavilion - or just because you love those summer feels. A bright and "popped" interpretation of my uplifting photograph.
I have used a contemporary approach using techniques such as expressionism and pop art to capture my model in contrasting colours to give a sense of movement and energy.
Beautifully framed in Tasmanian Oak.