Amanda Horvath’s ‘A Distant Light’ is a beautiful and proper depiction of the countryside tree tunnels, with the same sense of whimsical mystery that you feel when driving through them. If you have ever been to the countryside and driven through the tree tunnels this painting will bring you right back to that time.
Where did you get the inspiration for this piece?
This painting originates from a tree tunnel or hollow way. Throughout the country, there are ancient paths, worn by centuries of travellers where the trees bow over forming a canopy. “A Distant Light” has a sense of mystery, quietness and solitude with a feeling of history and wondering about the footsteps that travelled down this path in years gone by. I like walking along these tree tunnels with the branches arching overhead and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. There is something mysterious and optimistic about a journey through a tunnel of trees.
What is your creative process when creating this piece?
I begin with observation of the place making notes and taking photographs to work from in the studio. From these beginnings I work intuitively, painting some base layers with a brush and then impasto techniques layer on layer applied with a palette knife. Harnessing optical mixing techniques employed by the impressionists and some of the methods of the old masters such as scumbling and glazing I continue working until the painting reaches a natural conclusion. The result is a contemporary painting that lies somewhere between abstraction and realism.
How long would this work have taken you?
My process takes time and consideration. I have to allow time for the layers to dry before applying the next layers. There’s always a period of observation at the end and then I will apply finishing touches. The process usually takes about a week
Anything else you’d like to add
My tree tunnel paintings are particularly inspired by the ethereal light filtering through leaves and dramatic contrasting shadows. I live close to the natural world and love every season each having its own beauty. This painting is full of blues and fresh spring green tones suggesting woodland flowers and bluebells springing into life. with delicate scents on the breeze.
