A Blaze of Sunset:  by Matthew Natale

This vibrant 18x24" watercolor crayon piece, "A Blaze of Sunset," by Okeechobee, Florida artist Matthew Natale, captures the raw energy and warmth of a fiery sunset.  Created on 140lb watercolor paper, the piece showcases Natale's unique technique of applying the crayon dry and then wetting it, resulting in a stunning interplay of texture and color.

The dominant hue, a rich, fiery orange, evokes the feeling of a setting sun, casting its warm glow across the sky. This intense orange is layered with subtle variations in tone, creating a sense of depth and movement.  Delicate streaks of lighter peach and almost white break through the dominant orange, suggesting the last rays of sunlight piercing through the clouds. These lighter hues add a sense of luminosity and vibrancy, preventing the orange from becoming overwhelming.

The texture of the piece is equally captivating.  The dry application of the crayon creates a rough, almost gritty texture, reminiscent of the rough bark of a tree or the arid landscape of a desert.  This texture contrasts beautifully with the smooth, flowing effect achieved by wetting the crayon, creating a dynamic interplay between roughness and fluidity. The visible strokes of the crayon add a sense of immediacy and energy, conveying the artist's passion and the raw power of nature.

The use of color in this painting is truly remarkable, with the warm orange hue taking center stage and creating a sense of energy and movement. The artist, Matthew Natale, has expertly layered different shades of orange to create depth and dimension, with some areas featuring a brighter, more vibrant tone and others a darker, more subdued shade. This variation in tone adds complexity and interest to the piece, and draws the viewer's eye across the painting.

In addition to the dominant orange hue, the painting features delicate touches of lighter colors, such as peach and white. These lighter hues break through the orange in subtle ways, creating the impression of sunlight filtering through the clouds. This use of color creates a sense of luminosity and vibrancy, and adds to the overall warm and inviting feeling of the piece.

The texture of the painting is equally captivating, and is achieved through the artist's unique technique of applying the watercolor crayon dry and then wetting it. This results in a rough, uneven texture that is reminiscent of natural elements such as tree bark or rock. The visible brushstrokes and crayon marks add to this sense of texture and depth, and create a sense of movement and energy.

The contrast between the rough, textured areas of the painting and the smoother, more fluid areas created by the wetting of the crayon is particularly striking. This interplay between roughness and fluidity adds complexity and interest to the piece, and highlights the artist's skill and expertise in working with this medium.

Overall, the use of color and texture in this painting is expertly done, and creates a piece that is visually striking and full of warmth and energy.

"A Blaze of Sunset" is a captivating piece that speaks to the beauty and power of nature.  It is a testament to Natale's mastery of color and texture, and his ability to evoke emotion through his art. This piece is part of a larger collection of over 400 works by Matthew Natale, each exploring the beauty of the natural world through his unique artistic vision.  Bring home a piece of Florida's vibrant landscape and add a touch of warmth and energy to your space with "A Blaze of Sunset." Signed En Verso.