Blue Eyes - Oil and Acrylic on canvas - 24 x 30" (Currently on loan to Barnsley Civic)

This artwork presents a captivating portrait of a woman, her striking blue eyes drawing the viewer's gaze.  The artist masterfully uses color and texture to create a multi-layered composition that blends realism with symbolic elements.

The painting employs a mixed media approach, combining elements of realism in the portrait with abstract and symbolic elements in the background. The woman is rendered with a realistic style in oil, emphasizing her features and expression. The background, however, is a tapestry of textures and images—gold patterns suggestive of Asian motifs, musical notation, script-like markings, and a golden dragon. This juxtaposition suggests a rich cultural blending, with the woman presented as a figure existing between cultural spaces.  The use of gold throughout the piece hints at richness and spiritual significance.

The woman's expression is ambiguous; her direct gaze invites the viewer to connect with her, however, the way she holds her hat suggests she is shielding herself from the world. The overall mood is one of introspective strength in the face of complex emotions.             

The image tells a story of a woman who is both exotic and vulnerable. Her beauty is undeniable yet surrounded by symbols of complexity. The background elements hint at a spiritual journey, life experience expressed through art.  it is a celebration of inner strength and beauty found in embracing one's unique identity.  There is a journey of self discovery across different cultural landscapes. 

There's a sense of mystery lingering, encouraging viewers to form their own interpretations of her story and the meaning within the symbolic backdrop.