Flora & Fauna 2017

Aaron Nagel's 'Flora & Fauna' is a painting where the subject emerges from a muted palette of greys and whites. The painting feels very intuitive, as if Nagel is figuring out the image as he goes, embracing the unpredictable nature of the medium. Look closely, and you'll notice how the brushwork around her shoulders and collar is quite loose, almost gestural, contrasting with the more detailed rendering of her face. This contrast creates a dynamic tension, making the portrait feel alive and immediate. The white-on-white flowers feel almost sculptural, while the subtle variations in tone give the fabric a soft, luminous quality. The overall effect is a ghostly, ethereal figure that reminds me of some of Whistler’s tonalist portraits, where mood and atmosphere take precedence over precise representation, evoking a sense of melancholy and beauty. Ultimately, it's a piece that invites contemplation and rewards repeated viewings.