Art Review: Splendour by Patrick Palmer
Splendour - Painting, Oil on Canvas. Size: 100 W x 100 H x 7 D cm
Patrick Palmer's Splendour is a striking, emotionally charged piece that reflects the artist’s deep understanding of the female form. The piece, painted in oil on canvas, measures 100 cm by 100 cm, and its bold, contemporary style stands as a testament to Palmer’s classical training. Created in 2023, the work marks a shift from his traditional classical approach into the realm of urban art influences, blending subtle classical techniques with more modern, raw energy.
The figure at the heart of Splendour is a nude, capturing a moment of quiet introspection. Palmer's use of thin layers of oil paint, built up and often smudged with his fingers, results in a painting that feels tactile—almost as if you can trace the artist's touch through the texture. There is an almost dreamlike quality to the work, as the figure seems to dissolve and emerge from the canvas, lending it an ethereal presence. This interaction between soft blending and sharp, defined elements creates a sense of motion, even within the stillness of the subject.
The vibrant yellow background serves to amplify the emotional intensity of the piece. It feels both warm and energetic, acting almost as a halo around the subject, highlighting the figure's graceful form. It’s an inviting, yet somewhat enigmatic backdrop that engages the viewer and draws the eye back to the subject, whose pose speaks volumes despite its simplicity. Palmer’s ability to create a sense of depth and movement within the confines of such minimalism is one of the standout features of the piece.
As an artist, Palmer is known for his delicate yet suggestive renderings of the female form, and Splendour continues this tradition. However, in this piece, there’s a rawness and immediacy to the portrayal that invites the viewer to explore the emotional layers of the subject. The focus isn’t just on anatomy; it’s on the emotional landscape of the figure, a person caught in a fleeting moment of vulnerability. The artist’s fingerprints, literally embedded in the painting, evoke a sense of intimacy and connection, making this piece feel personal and lived-in.
Splendour is a captivating exploration of both classical and contemporary techniques, and it demonstrates Palmer’s continued evolution as an artist. With a quiet elegance and emotional depth, the work speaks to the timeless allure of the female form while embracing the energy of modern artistic expression.
The painting is available to buy.