“Elemental Eruption” (2024)

18x24” 140lb paper

Watercolor crayon

I'm delighted to examine this captivating work by Matthew Natale. This piece showcases Natale's mastery of the "dry then wet" watercolor crayon technique, which he has expertly employed to create a stunning and evocative abstract landscape.

The composition is striking, with a bold, central shape that dominates the frame. This central form appears to be a mountain or peak, rendered in a vibrant, fiery palette of reds, oranges, and pinks. The brushstrokes and textures within this central shape convey a sense of energy and movement, as if the mountain is alive and shifting before our eyes.

Surrounding this central focal point, Natale has layered washes of cool blues and greens, creating a lush, atmospheric backdrop that suggests a vast, expansive sky or distant landscape. The interplay of these complementary colors - the warm reds and oranges against the cool blues and greens - is truly captivating, imbuing the work with a sense of tension and dynamism.

The dry, textural application of the watercolor crayons lends an intriguing tactile quality to the surface of the painting. The rough, uneven edges and the visible, expressive brushstrokes add depth and complexity to the overall composition, inviting the viewer to explore the nuances of the medium and the artist's technique.

Natale's use of color is particularly noteworthy. The vibrant, almost neon-like hues of the central mountain form create a sense of intensity and drama, while the softer, more muted tones of the surrounding landscape provide a harmonious counterpoint. The way the colors blend and bleed into one another, creating a sense of atmospheric depth and luminosity, is truly masterful.

The use of texture in this painting by Matthew Natale is absolutely integral to the overall mood and atmosphere it conveys. Through his masterful application of the "dry then wet" watercolor crayon technique, Natale has imbued the surface with a rich, tactile quality that adds depth, complexity, and a sense of dynamism to the work.

The central mountain form is particularly striking in this regard. The rough, uneven brushstrokes and the visible, almost gritty texture of the crayons create a sense of energy and movement within this focal point. It's as if the mountain is in a constant state of flux, with the textures suggesting the shifting, elemental forces that have shaped its form.

This textural quality stands in contrast to the smoother, more ethereal washes of color that surround the central shape. The interplay between the rough, gestural mountain and the softer, atmospheric background creates a sense of tension and drama, drawing the viewer's eye into the heart of the composition.

Moreover, the tactile nature of the surface invites the viewer to engage with the work on a sensory level. The desire to reach out and touch the painting, to feel the nuances of the brushwork and the gritty, crayon-like textures, is a testament to Natale's skill in creating a truly immersive and engaging artistic experience.

This textural quality also contributes to the overall mood and atmosphere of the painting. The rugged, almost primal nature of the central form suggests a sense of raw, elemental power, while the softer, more ethereal washes of color create a sense of tranquility and contemplation.

It's this interplay between the dynamic, textural mountain and the serene, atmospheric landscape that gives the painting its unique character and emotional resonance. Natale's mastery of texture has allowed him to imbue this abstract work with a tangible, almost visceral quality that transports the viewer to a realm of elemental forces and natural wonder.

In this collection of over 400 pieces, Natale has clearly demonstrated his versatility and his ability to push the boundaries of the watercolor medium. This particular work stands out as a testament to his artistic vision and his command of color, texture, and composition.

Overall, this is a captivating and thought-provoking work that invites the viewer to engage with the interplay of color, texture, and form. Natale's mastery of the "dry then wet" technique is evident, and this piece is a testament to his skill and creativity as an artist. #374