Across the Lough | SOLD

• Acrylic, mixed medium
• An original
• Framed
• 102.5x 78cms

On Christmas Eve, I drove down to the water's edge alongside Belfast Lough, an area I don't pass through often, to collect a few last things before the day itself. It had been a busy run-up, frantic in the way this time of year always is. With just a few last things to sort, I took some time to pause.

The Lough stretched out grey and still ahead of me, and for a moment I just stopped to look. Across the water, I could see exactly where I was headed next: to catch up with old friends. 

There's something about that particular kind of grey December light, quiet, a little hazy and still, that makes you slow down and actually notice where you are.

This painting is about that pause. Not the destination, but the moment of standing still and taking in the view - the reflections breaking across the surface of the water, the excitement of friendships that have lasted years, and the quiet gratitude that comes with the festive season, when everyone finally slows down enough to see each other again.

It was a genuinely calm painting to make. A lot of my work carries a frenetic energy, but this one came together slowly, the brushes and palette knife moving at the same pace as that unhurried afternoon by the water.

 A special moment in time that I hope reminds us all of the power of pause.

 This is an original piece, hand-painted and one-of-a-kind. It will not be reproduced and is sold with a signed certificate of authenticity.

Across the Lough …for the originals.