The monochrome painting is of the naked female form; which is revealed gradually as the viewer visually and mentally assembles the varying sizes of tonal squares into an increasingly recognisable representation of the reclining figure.

The work is in black and white, with a full tonal range, and relies purely on the relative differences and contrasts between tones to achieve a representation of 3D form; without the conventional shapes, edges and flowing forms of traditional life studies. The paint is heavily impasto, which creates strong textures, to deliberately emphasise the surface. This is to encourage the viewer to see the work as more abstract on first approach and then to gradually recognise the image beyond the surface; some see this very quickly, others take some time. Oddly, the image is often more quickly revealed in very low light or when glanced from the corner of one’s eye, in the peripheral vision.

‘TONAL’ — oil on paper mounted on stretched canvas – 61 cm x 91 cm