I have always been fascinated by the phenomena of the reflectiveness,
refraction and transparency of water. It can be easily seen by standing at the
end of a large swimming pool or in knee deep crystal clear Caribbean ocean
water on a sunny day.
As you look at the water in the distance, you mostly see
the reflection of the sky on the surface of the water. As your eye draws a little
closer to where you’re standing, the surface reflection diminishes and you begin
to see through the water to the bottom. Also, at the transition point, underwater
objects seem flattened by the angle of your line of site sight and the refraction
of light through the water. As you look down toward your feet the refraction
diminishes and you see objects in there truer form.
This is what I wanted to portray with this peaceful
painting, Depth Perception (24”x48” acrylic on gallery wrap canvas).
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| Depth Perception by Alan Zawacki |
Clouds and blue sky reflect off of the surface of the calm water
in the distance. As your eye moves down closer to where you are standing you
begin to see the somewhat flattened appearance of the coral outcroppings on the
bottom.
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| Depth Perception - close-up detail |
Then, you look down just a few feet away and you can see completely
though the water at the fish swimming around their coral homes. The sunlight that
penetrates through the shallow water dances across the bottom in fleeting geometric
shapes.
I enjoyed this process so much, I think I will have to do more of these scenes.
Have a great week, everyone!
Alan
