Astonishment 

Petre Abrudan created ‘Astonishment’ using oil paints, a medium favored for its versatility and depth of color. Abrudan’s use of oil paint is very interesting, due to its capacity for blending and layering, allowing him to build up textured surfaces and translucent effects. It’s interesting to note the way the materiality of oil paint plays a crucial role in creating the overall effect of this artwork, considering its inherent qualities of substance, texture, weight, color and form. The thick strokes and visible brushwork suggest a deliberate, almost vigorous application, imbuing the painting with a tangible sense of the artist's presence and the energy of the creative process. It is tied to the traditional methods of academic painting, and it invites us to reflect on the amount of labor and skill involved in its creation. Ultimately, understanding the materials and making of this artwork enriches our appreciation, challenging any perceived boundaries between the fine arts and skilled craft.