Story behind the work: ‘Expecting’

‘Expecting’ 2021. Oil on Canvas.

This work originated as a sketch that I doodled in a visual art diary around the time both my sisters were expecting: Shar was pregnant with her second and Kat with her first.

What I liked about what subconsciously came out of that flow state sketch was the concept of this pregnant mother with her hand outstretched and looking up at a dark cloud filled sky: expecting child and expecting rain. I thought the anticipation of life giving rain and the impending storm that brought it were an interesting analogy for the chapter my sisters were in, anticipating the excitement, challenges and upheaval newborns bring. The pattern of upside down and right side up clouds and the absence of a clear horizon suggests that the figure is in a surreal limbo between worlds and times. Her striking strong features, gold-embellishments and halo convey a sense of dignity and strength whilst her kneeling position conveys brave surrender to the present moment and promised change.

Top Left: Photograph of my sisters together whilst they were both expecting.

Top Right: Holding up the original stream of consciousness sketch I doodled in an art journal. In the background are my self portrait ‘Here’ and ‘Expecting’ at the stage where I had just finished the first layer in burnt umber. I liked the doodle so much that I coloured it with water colours to test out colour (If I like a sketch I often don’t attempt colour composition till I start the oil painting version). Once I started the oil painting I made some adjustments most notably the gold colour in the halo instead of purple as I felt this added a sense of nobility.