MYSTIC FOREST

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by

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JASMIN I. SMITH

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The Mystic Forest is a series of paintings inspired by my childhood memories of growing up in a tropical paradise amidst exotic flora and fauna and visits to the mangrove forests.  I have also been inspired by the French post impressionist painter Henri Rousseau who painted dreamlike exotic scenes with a primitive yet sophisticated style.  

 

I paint mostly from my imagination. Providing glimpses of the deep forest unpopulated by the human form has a sense of mystery for me as we don’t know what could be lurking in the dark. There is also a sense of peace as time stands still.

 

My painting process is time consuming.  It consists of the application of many layers of liquid acrylic paint wet onto dry.  I use a process of layering, flatness of form and color to create a sense of depth and subtle chromatic variation.   The palette I choose - a contrast of rich dark hues punctuated by bright intense color and all inspired by my South Asian background - easily conjures night time mystery and magic.

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