Skinny Dip 1984

Frank Mason made "Skinny Dip" using oil on canvas, and what strikes me most is how the light seems to emerge from within the forms themselves. The painting has a luminous quality, like a dream. The figures are rendered with a soft, almost blurry edge, which gives them an ethereal presence. Looking closely, you can see how Mason uses thin, transparent glazes of color, building up layers of paint to create depth and atmosphere. The greens and browns of the foliage are contrasted with the pale, glowing skin tones of the figures, creating a sense of warmth and sensuality. Notice the figure standing on the rock, arms outstretched - the artist’s hand has lingered on that form. This piece reminds me of some of the mythological scenes painted by 19th-century artists like Böcklin, who also explored themes of nature, beauty, and the human form. But Mason brings his own unique sensibility to the subject, creating a work that feels both timeless and deeply personal. It's a reminder that art is always an ongoing conversation, a way of seeing and experiencing the world that is constantly evolving and changing.