Under the warmth of the sun by Abby McCarthy

Size (cm): 84 x 64
Oil and oil stick on linen

Our coastline and how we interact with the ocean and bodies of water is a recurring theme throughout my works. I am fortunate enough to live and have grown up by the sea. A constant influence throughout my life, swimming and the ocean is a place that regulates me and is at times transformative. These spaces often hold experiences that are fleeting, spontaneous, cherished, and chaotic.

With each work, I begin by developing shapes and marks that intersect and interact. This interplay is layered; I paint, rub back, and rework the surface repeatedly. To build a sense of time and place, I use expressive brushwork, intuitive mark-making, color, and gesture until the artwork reveals itself. Through these layered compositions, I aim to capture the emotional weight and spontaneity of my experiences with my children.