WATER COLOUR MUSIC – The song of dolphins

WATERCOLOR MUSIC – The song of dolphins. Dolphins multimedia painting

Ask at this link for the framed original or number 1 of 25 limited edition acrylic enhanced reproductions. Dolphins multimedia painting

THE STORY

The playful foundations of this painting were laid in 1994, born from an experimental and carefree state of mind. Using multiple mediums on gesso-primed hardboard, my aim was to create something vibrant, with a touch of multimedia whimsy suitable for home décor. Dolphins multimedia painting

During a period of disillusionment from 1996 to 2014, the work was placed in storage. I am grateful to the Denches of Snells Beach for providing a safe space for its preservation.

In 2014, it was resurrected it from the domain of spiders, dust, and cats footprints.

The Dolphins, music, and childlikeness

Before storing the piece, I added pencil-illustrated dolphins and triangle blocks. During production, the wonders of creation left me in awe and prompted reflection: Why do adults forget how to play with abandon, except perhaps under intoxication? Many adult’s freedom to play and sing is hidden behind fears of being shamed.

These thoughts became a meditation. Imagining a life of childlike abandon and fearless creativity, I added blobs and splashes of acrylic color to simulate water, interspersed with music notes. It was an experiment in breaking the rules—slashing and layering paint to see what visual forms would emerge.

The frame

A friend had just dismantled their fence, leaving a pile of discarded palings. The scavenger in me saw potential and acquired them, envisioning a frame to set the painting within.

The idea evolved: how to mount the work with modern appeal? The solution came—music bars crafted from square dowelling, painted silver. Budget constraints led me to forgo stainless steel rods, but the musical theme—“music to the ears of my soul”—remained central, even incorporating a semi-quaver as a playful, symbolic detail.

The artist changes his mind

I first considered this work complete in 2016 and photographed it for production. While it hung in my gallery, I realised something was missing—a visual gap at the bottom that unsettled me.

Then came the questions: water, ocean, fish, shells… and suddenly the idea formed. What if starfish shells from Omaha Beach could become wind chimes? Not quite. But embedding them in fibreglass resin circles, arranged like musical notes—yes, that was it.

A conversation with my friend Anita led to a bag of shells gathered years earlier from Omaha Beach. With wooden dowels, carefully placed fixings, and each shell assigned its own “note,” the work moved closer to completion. The journey continued in 2019 with the addition of the baby dolphin, set into a semi-quaver—bringing harmony, movement, and closure to the piece.

The memories and creative sounds beyond the silence

The intent and sound of this work lived within me from the beginning. Using imagination, floating forms became symbols of orchestrated sound, where playfulness gives rise to joy and the echo of happiness. From the painting’s inception, this sense of delight fuelled the creative process.

Not every moment was effortless. Doubt crept in I questioned, ” Would such work could be taken seriously”? Those critical voices reflected my own inner shadows, and I chose not to submit to them. My purpose lies in the act of creation itself, grounded in the value God places on creativity, not in the opinions of others.

There is no ill intent in this work—only joy, freedom, and honest expression looking for a home.

STATUS and MATERIALS

ORIGINAL FOR SALE  *
Artist oils, acrylics, and pencil on gesso primed New Zealand hardboard mounted proudly on square Pinus radiata dowel painted silver. Gloss dammar and Iso Guard varnish protection.
* Original and Limited Edition reproductions are supplied with Provenance, coded Authentication of Sale Certificate, and maintenance/care information.

25 LIMITED EDITIONS “ACRYLIC ENHANCED” CANVAS REPRODUCTIONS
Please ask about the price and sizes.

75 LIMITED EDITIONS CANVAS REPRODUCTIONS * 
Unframed sizes | 960 x short side – $960  |  650 x short side – $650
Printed on long-life archival canvas and protected with two coats of UV archival spray.
* Stretch mounted reproductions will incur added charges for mounting and freight.

OPEN EDITION POSTER ART PRINTS * 
Unframed sizes | 594 x short side – $120
* Posters printed on fine art papers and treated with two coats of UV archival protection spray.

FASHION

Images from “Watercolor Music” will be exhibited on multiple product lines at Fine Art America

SHIPPING

• Includes insurance and package/handling fees.
• The Original and Limited Edition reproductions ship with the Provenance coded Authentication of Sale Certificate and maintenance information.
• Poster art prints ship in insured tubes.

AWARDS