"Ebb and Flow": An Original Watercolor Crayon Work by Matthew Natale

Description: "Ebb and Flow" - An Exploration of Depth and Serenity This captivating 18x24" watercolor crayon piece, "Ebb and Flow"," by Okeechobee artist Matthew Natale, invites you into a world of subtle beauty and quiet contemplation. Part of a larger collection boasting over 400 pieces, this work showcases Natale's mastery of texture and his unique approach to watercolor crayon, a medium that straddles the line between drawing and painting. The piece is dominated by a serene, muted teal, reminiscent of a tranquil sea on a cloudy day. This calming hue washes over the entire surface of the 140lb watercolor paper, creating a sense of depth and expansiveness. Rather than a flat wash, Natale employs a dry-on-dry technique, layering the crayon to create a richly textured surface that shimmers with subtle variations in tone. This technique, combined with the subsequent wetting of the crayon, allows for a beautiful interplay of light and shadow, giving the piece a sense of movement and life. Hints of warm, earthy tones peek through the teal, adding a grounding element to the composition. These subtle shifts in color prevent the piece from feeling monotonous, instead creating a sense of depth and complexity. The interplay of cool and warm tones evokes a sense of tranquility and balance, inviting the viewer to lose themselves in the artwork's calming embrace. Matthew Natale's distinctive use of watercolor crayon significantly enhances the overall effect of "Ebb and Flow"," creating a piece that is both visually captivating and emotionally resonant. Here's how: Textural Depth: Unlike traditional watercolor techniques that often prioritize smooth washes, Natale utilizes a dry-on-dry approach with the crayon. This layering technique builds a tangible texture on the paper's surface, giving the piece a unique tactile quality. This texture adds depth and complexity to the seemingly simple composition, inviting the viewer to explore the nuances of the artwork. Subtle Color Variations: By layering the watercolor crayon dry, Natale creates subtle variations in color intensity. When he then introduces water, these layers bloom and blend in a way that wouldn't be achievable with wet-on-wet application. This technique results in a captivating interplay of light and shadow, giving the teal hue a sense of movement and life, reminiscent of light reflecting on water. Blurring Boundaries: The use of watercolor crayon, a medium that bridges drawing and painting, contributes to the ethereal quality of the artwork. The crayon's ability to be both dry and wet allows for both defined lines and soft, diffused edges. This duality enhances the sense of depth and atmosphere, blurring the lines between the tangible and the intangible. In essence, Natale's unique approach to watercolor crayon transcends the limitations of the individual mediums. He masterfully combines the precision of drawing with the fluidity of watercolor, resulting in a piece that is both visually stunning and emotionally evocative. The texture, the subtle color shifts, and the blurred boundaries all work together to create a sense of tranquility and serenity that draws the viewer in and invites contemplation. "Ebb and Flow" is more than just a painting; it's an invitation to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of simplicity. The artist's masterful use of color, texture, and technique creates a work that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. This piece would be a welcome addition to any art collection, adding a touch of serenity and sophistication to any space.

Price: 150 USD

Location: Okeechobee, Florida

End Time: 2024-11-27T20:59:19.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD