Last updated: 19 Dec 2024
Sage
Summer 2022
Brush and paper
Watercolour
Landscape
Impressionism
These sage bushes are very common inner garden
1. Medium: Watercolor on paper
2. Shapes and objects: A single plant, likely a lavender bush or similar flowering herb. The plant is depicted with multiple upright stems bearing small, clustered flowers or buds. The plant appears to be growing from a dark shadow or ground area at the bottom of the painting.
3. Colours: The plant is painted primarily in shades of green for the stems and leaves, with purple and blue tones for the flowers. There are also some grey areas, possibly suggesting shadows or depth within the plant. The background is left mostly white, with a very pale green wash in some areas. The base or shadow area is painted in dark grey.
4. Narrative: This painting focuses on the delicate beauty of a single plant, likely lavender. The detailed rendering of the individual stems and flower clusters shows an appreciation for the intricacy of natural forms. The use of white space around the plant isolates it, drawing full attention to its structure and color. The dark base grounds the plant, giving it a sense of place while maintaining the overall minimalist feel. This piece evokes a sense of simplicity and the beauty found in common garden plants. It might also suggest themes of growth, natural cycles, and the subtle complexities of seemingly simple organisms.
5. Original Artist: While this is an original work by Mehrdad Fahimi, the style and subject matter are reminiscent of botanical illustrations, particularly those of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. However, the loose, expressive watercolor technique brings a more contemporary feel to the piece.
The focus on a single plant specimen and the use of white space around it also brings to mind the work of Georgia O'Keeffe, known for her large-scale depictions of flowers and plants, though Fahimi's style is distinctly different.
A comparable historical work might be found in the botanical illustrations of Pierre-Joseph Redouté, known as the "Raphael of flowers," though Fahimi's painting has a more modern, abstracted quality. Redouté's works can be found in various museums and botanical institutions worldwide.
While Fahimi's painting is clearly his own, it blends influences from both traditional botanical illustration and modern minimalist art, creating a piece that feels both scientifically observant and artistically expressive. The painting continues the tradition of finding beauty and interest in common plants, inviting the viewer to appreciate the details of nature often overlooked in daily life.
Details
Type
artwork
Created At
07 May 2023