Breaking up with blue was simply too hard to do.

My obsession with blue goes way back. I remember working on the final show for my art & design foundation and the tutors were asking why so much blue? I really couldn't answer, it's just something I'm always drawn to. For the first half of this year I worked solely in neutrals and layers of pure white and in deliberately limiting my colour choices and paring right back, it enabled me to focus on individual visual elements using combinations of materials. (I can start to feel myself being drawn back there as winter draws near and I'm preparing raw linens right now for new work). But in restricting my colour palette and not having blue in my daily life for about 6 months it began to take its toll and the response to its absence was eventually total immersion in inky rich indigos and deep velvety pools of Prussian.. its been quite intense and this is reflected in the paintings themselves. These paintings have allowed me to enter a new area of exploration. Varying layers of opaque and translucent oil colour slip over one another to vie for your attention and with undercurrents of raw imperfection, they have earned a place in my heart with simplicity at its core. They feel brave and are not for the feint of heart. With their many layers that show evidence of both subtle and more textural brush work, these have been a joy to work on.

If you wish to see the new catalogue of 8 new works, you'll need to sign up to the website in order to have an exclusive viewing. These deep, rich paintings will be available November time. Thanks to those who have already contacted me enquiring about new work. I know its been a while since I've released anything new and it's because I have spent most of the year simply pushing my practice and I thank you for your patience.

Kiss The Sky

Oil, acrylic on linen

70cm x 80cm

'Kiss The Sky' is part of the new series #BreakingUpWithBlue available November. Please sign up here - www.amandaduggan.co.uk for details of the full series to arrive in your inbox when available, if you're not already a subscriber.