Aqua Circles

22 in x 22 in

2/2026

A central circle filled in with greens is flanked by symmetrically placed teal circles radiating out toward each corner of this square canvas on a background of blues.  This piece is about symmetric geometry and a restricted palette of blues, teals and greens to suggest an aquatic theme.  The composition is built on a grid of triangles and diamonds, locking four large circular forms around a central green medallion. Each circle is subdivided into wedge-like segments, and a repeated pinwheel motif generates an implied rotation that counters the symmetry of the piece.  The green in the middle of the painting references organic life in an otherwise aquatic environment, and I used a lot of textured impasto throughout the piece to catch the light in interesting ways and to prevent the painting from feeling "flat".  The eye is led around the painting through nested rhythms: radial spins within each circle, diamond chains that link corners, and star-like shapes that emerge in the negative spaces between forms. My goal is for the experience to echo the act of looking through a kaleidoscope—initial impact followed by incremental discoveries.