Corné Akkers

This oil painting ‘Neo Deco – 07-05-25’ is an elaboration of a recent graphite pencil drawing ‘Neo Deco – 10-03-25’. Homage to Albanian photographer Gjon Mili. Last oil painting was from August 2024 so it was high time for a new one. In addition, I always have considered my drawings as prestudies for future oils to come. Now I come to think of it I have so many drawings that to my opinion are good enough to transfer to oil paint. If I only had enough time before time will catch up with me. Maybe I should paint more this year. Perhaps some outdoor sketching. Well, I don’t know really. The artistic wind may carry me to unknown destinations.

Anyway, using your own drawing as reference is always a comforting thing. The composition is something to simply take over and then …? Sheer copying is out of the question. Therefor, the most natural inclination is to delve right into the realm of colors. There is true value added! And so I did but I have to confess something. Oh Lord, forgive me for I have sinned. Against the magic rule of max 5 colors according to Raphael’s law. In fact, I used them all (6) in this painting. Hence, it took me quite some time to complete this one. Once you set forth to use a complex color palette you know troubles are bound.