Art has the power to transport us, to evoke emotion, and to reflect the world through a unique lens. My latest abstract painting, In Art Colours, is a vibrant tribute to creativity, playfulness, and the simple joy of expression. With a palette of soft pastels—gentle pinks, serene blues, sunny yellows, and minty greens—it captures an unfiltered sense of innocence and delight.
But beneath this seemingly childlike whimsy lies a deeper inspiration: page 78 of James Joyce’s Ulysses. On this page, Joyce describes a “splendid masterpiece in art colours,” a phrase that instantly ignited my imagination. What would a true masterpiece in art colours look like? I decided to find out—by playing, by letting go of rigid expectations, and by immersing myself in the colors that bring me the most joy.
The Process: Letting Go and Playing with Colour
Art doesn’t need to be serious to be meaningful. With this painting, I embraced spontaneity, creating playful shapes in pastel hues, layering colors that spoke to me, and allowing intuition to guide my brush. I set aside concerns about whether people would like it or whether it would “make sense.” Instead, I focused on what felt good—what felt true.
I carefully selected colors that I wanted to see in a splendid masterpiece—my favorites: pastel pink, soft blue, a hint of green, an optimistic yellow, and grounding, sturdy Prussian navy blue. A pour of “sluggish cream,” another phrase from Joyce’s page 78, completed the composition.
Capel Street: A Modern Muse
As I worked, another inspiration emerged—Capel Street in Dublin. Mentioned on the same page of Ulysses, this street is steeped in history, yet it remains one of the most vibrant and eclectic areas of the city today. While it was tempting to create an aerial view of Capel Street, I wanted to take a different approach—one that captured its energy, its mix of old and new, its juxtaposition of the traditional and the unconventional.
Capel Street is home to a fascinating array of shops, pubs, and restaurants. From second-hand shops to trendy eateries, from a music store specializing in electronic equipment to one of the city’s last remaining independent pet shops, the street pulses with life and diversity. Even historic institutions like Louis Copeland & Sons, a family-run tailor since 1908, find their place amidst the evolving, colorful tapestry of this iconic street.
I imagined my painting hanging in one of Capel Street’s modern establishments—a cool café, a stylish boutique hotel, a space that embraces both heritage and contemporary flair. The artwork reflects the contrast and harmony of the street: a patchwork of colors, textures, and emotions, just like Capel Street itself.
Art as an Invitation to Feel
A painting should resonate with your heart. It should make you feel something—whether it’s nostalgia, peace, curiosity, or pure happiness. In Art Colours is an invitation to embrace the beauty of uninhibited expression, to let go of convention, and to surround yourself with art that sparks joy.
This piece belongs wherever lighthearted energy and creativity are welcome—your living room, a child’s nursery, a space that craves a touch of playfulness. More than anything, it’s a reminder that art is an act of joy, a celebration of colour, and a testament to the beauty of simply creating.
Add this unique work to your collection and let it inspire moments of wonder every day! 🌟
Do you want to add this artwork to your collection? Go to artwork page
