The Mood of Minor Keys
Squalls, 30 x 25 oil painting by Melody Phaneuf
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Snow has been a spirited topic of conversation since the recent storm. I overheard an interesting comment by someone who disliked days of sun and snow together, then watched her expression of delight as she described how peaceful and reminiscent snow storms make her feel–despite having to dig out in the aftermath.
In regard to mood, it’s true that lighting is the most significant visual force. The diffused light from cloud cover, along with a haze of fluttering white flakes muffles visual noise. These are the circumstances of light and atmosphere, which seem to kindle an inward gaze and evoke memories.
I am fascinated by the expanse of color that lies in intermediate minor keys. It’s in this narrow interval that subtlety expands. Limiting the boundaries seems to press subdivisions within.
In the painting Squalls, minor key conditions are chronicled. From a high Gloucester vantage point, Squalls overlooks houses and harbor blanketed in snow. Minor keys subdue detail, keeping the focus on larger patterning. The painting has delicate quality, despite the harsh conditions it describes.
Given the essence of minor keys, it is easy to make sense of the comment I overheard. Lighting conditions have enormous influence in changing or maintaining our mood.
Squalls, 30 x 25 oil painting by Melody Phaneuf
Squalls is also available in open edition print and hand made note cards
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Boston Artist, Melody Phaneuf is well known for her evocative still life, landscape, and portrait paintings. Her paintings are regularly on view at The Guild of Boston Artists, 162 Newbury Street; at Fenway Studios, Boston by appointment; and North Shore Art in Gloucester from May through October. Phaneuf ‘s paintings have been exhibited at The National Arts Club in New York City, Galerie Herouet in Paris, and with Art du Monde, in Japan.
Melody The Artist Home, founded with photographer and color specialist, Martha DiMeo, features Phaneuf’s original oil paintings on tumbled marble tile murals and beverage coasters, fine art prints, and handmade note cards.
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