The Fab Three

‘The Fab Three’ is a series of monochromatic underpaintings with glazes. The paintings celebrates beetles, an often-overlooked yet vital member of our planet’s ecosystems. Each painting begins with an underpainting rendered in rich burnt umber. This subtractive technique using a single earthy hue enabled me to deeply explore the intricate textures of the beetles exoskeletons – the fasinating patterns on their wing cases, the segmented strength of their bodies, and, of course, in the case of the long horned beetle, the remarkable length and articulation of their chracteristic antennae. Over this warm, sepia toned foundation, I’ve applied strategic glazes of vibrant red, luminous yellow, and calming blue. The interplay betwen the deep, grounding burnt umber and these striking primary colours is designed to achieve two goals: firstly to draw attention to the stunning and often suprising beauty found in these creatures, from their intricate patterns to their elegant forms. Secondly, and critically, to bring awareness to the huge, indespensible part that all beetles play in the planet’s ecosystem. They are crucial decomposers, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients, aiding forest regeneration and even acting as pollinators for some plants. Through these pieces I aim to encourage viewers to take a closer look, appreciate the overlooked and understand the profound impact these fascinating beetles have on the health and balance of our natural world.

Artist Details

Artwork ref: 3006
Artist: Jayne Clyde
Title: The Fab Three
Media: Oils
Theme: Section 1: 2D Small Works, any medium, open theme
Sale Price: $90