Kasumi (霞), mist. The moment when the sky casts a soft veil over the landscape and the boundary between near and far slowly blurs. Colors do not disappear, but become quieter. In this painting, I seek that softening. The grey-green outer surface and the warm olive tones in the center bring together the coolness of the sky with the depth of the earth.
The Color Palette
For this work, I chose a palette that combines coolness and earthy warmth: muted grey-green as an enveloping color, with olive green, warm brown tones, and soft ochre nuances in the central color field. Not all nuances are immediately visible, but they live within the work. The soft vertical transitions allow the colors to slowly flow into one another, like a landscape whose contours disappear behind a thin mist. Not a literal representation of nature, but the feeling of looking through a still sky.
Technique & Material
Painted with acrylic paint on panel, built up layer by layer. The surface has a subtle texture that looks different in changing light. The tight composition with the central color field is inspired by the Japanese aesthetic of ma, the power of the empty space that envelops everything. The grey-green outer surface gives the warmer nuances in the center space to come into their own.
A floating effect on the wall
For these paintings, I have developed my own hanging system. The 3 cm wooden block on the back keeps the panel straight and parallel to the wall, with space between the painting and the wall. This makes the work appear to float and creates a spatial 3D effect.
The back is also part of the work: I have painted it Prussian blue. In combination with the distance from the wall, this creates a deep, dark shadow effect that gives the painting extra dimension. Not only the painted front, but also the space behind it contributes to the experience of the work.
Specifications
Size: 40 × 40 cm
Material: Acrylic paint on panel
Unique original: Hand-signed by Jordy Koumans
Delivery & Collection
This work is available in two ways:
Collection in Tilburg: personal collection in my studio in Carré, Tilburg.
Shipping: carefully packed and insured shipping, worldwide.
Includes certificate of authenticity.
