The sea 2018

Alfred Freddy Krupa made this painting, called 'The Sea,' using what looks like ink on paper. The bold, gestural marks give this painting an immediate feeling of energy and movement. I imagine the artist working quickly, intuitively, maybe even meditatively. Did the artist begin with the horizon line, that thick, dark stroke, and then build up the rest of the scene around it? The limited color palette is interesting; the stark contrast between the black ink and the white of the paper creates a sense of drama. See how Krupa uses the brush to create different textures, from the smooth, flat expanse of the sky to the choppy, agitated waves below? The circle in the sky, like a ghostly sun or moon, adds a touch of mystery. It reminds me of the work of other painters who are interested in capturing the raw, untamed power of nature. It's a reminder that artists are always in dialogue with one another, building upon the ideas and techniques of those who came before them.