This captivating abstract piece, "Fuchsia Dream," by Florida artist Matthew Natale, invites viewers to immerse themselves in a world of vibrant color and captivating texture. Measuring 18x24" and executed on high-quality 140lb watercolor paper, this artwork showcases Natale's mastery of the "dry then wet" watercolor crayon technique, resulting in a piece that feels both energetic and serene.

The canvas is awash in a stunning fuchsia, a color that pulsates with life and energy. It's a hue that walks a delicate line between boldness and softness, evoking feelings of joy, passion, and a touch of playful whimsy.  Natale's application of the watercolor crayon, dry and then activated with water, creates a captivating textured surface that shimmers with depth. The horizontal strokes, layered upon each other with varying pressure and water application, create a sense of movement and rhythm, like waves of color washing over the surface.

Within the dominant fuchsia, subtle variations in tone and texture emerge, adding complexity and intrigue. Hints of pale pink and even whispers of the white paper below peek through, creating a luminous depth and a sense of light emanating from within. The visible strokes of the crayon, some bold and gestural, others delicate and featherlight, contribute to the artwork's tactile quality, inviting the viewer to trace the path of the artist's hand and the flow of color.

In "Fuchsia Dream," Matthew Natale masterfully utilizes color and texture to create a piece that is both visually engaging and emotionally resonant. Here's a closer look:

Color:

 Fuchsia's Power: The choice of fuchsia as the dominant color is key to the painting's impact. Fuchsia, a vibrant blend of pink and purple, is inherently energetic and attention-grabbing. It is often associated with joy, passion, creativity, and a touch of nonconformity. By saturating the canvas in this vibrant hue, Natale creates an immediate sense of energy and invites the viewer into a world of heightened emotion.

 Subtle Variations:  While fuchsia dominates, the subtle variations in tone are crucial. The hints of pale pink and the glimpses of the white paper beneath the pigment prevent the color from feeling flat or overwhelming. These lighter areas create a sense of depth and luminosity, as if the fuchsia itself is emanating light. The subtle shifts in tone also add visual interest, inviting the eye to wander and explore the surface of the painting.

 Absence of Contrast:  Noticeably absent are contrasting colors. This deliberate choice allows the fuchsia to take center stage and amplifies its emotional impact. The viewer is fully immersed in the experience of the color, free from any distractions or visual breaks.

Texture:

 Layered Strokes: The "dry then wet" technique is fundamental to the texture of "Fuchsia Dream." Applying the watercolor crayon dry allows for a greater concentration of pigment, resulting in a richer, more varied surface when water is applied. The horizontal strokes, layered upon each other, create a sense of depth and rhythm. The eye follows the lines across the canvas, mimicking the gentle ebb and flow of a dream. 

 Pressure Variations: The visible differences in stroke weight – from bold and gestural to delicate and feathery – contribute significantly to the tactile quality of the piece. These variations suggest the artist's hand at work, imbuing the artwork with a sense of energy and immediacy. They also create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, adding to the visual depth of the painting.

 Watery Blooms: The organic blooms and bleeds that occur when the water is applied to the dry pigment are embraced rather than controlled. These "happy accidents" enhance the sense of spontaneity and dreamlike quality. They also add an element of surprise, inviting the viewer to discover new details and nuances within the seemingly uniform field of fuchsia. 

In Harmony:

In "Fuchsia Dream," color and texture work in perfect harmony to create a piece that is both visually captivating and emotionally evocative. The vibrant fuchsia, enhanced by subtle tonal variations, envelops the viewer in a world of pure color. Simultaneously, the layered strokes, pressure variations, and watery blooms create a dynamic, tactile surface that draws the eye across the canvas. The result is a piece that feels alive with energy, inviting us to lose ourselves in its vibrant embrace.

"Fuchsia Dream" is more than just a color field; it's an experience of pure, unadulterated color.  It evokes the feeling of being enveloped in a field of blooming flowers, the warmth of a summer sunset, or the exhilarating rush of a cherished memory. This artwork is part of a larger collection of over 400 pieces by Matthew Natale, each showcasing his unique ability to evoke emotion and inspire contemplation through the interplay of color, texture, and form.  "Fuchsia Dream" is a stunning example of Natale's artistic prowess, a piece that will undoubtedly infuse any space it graces with a sense of joy, energy, and captivating visual texture. #46