Gilded by Coins, Kissed by Sun: A Radiant Meditation by Matthew Natale

"Gilded by Coins, Kissed by Sun," a mesmerizing abstract work by Okeechobee artist Matthew Natale, captures the radiant energy of the sun through an innovative fusion of color and texture. A member of the Florida Watercolor Society, the Central Florida Watercolor Society, and the Palm Beach Watercolor Society, Natale brings a practiced hand to this unique artistic approach. This 18x24" artwork, one of over 400 pieces in a collection showcasing his talent, masterfully utilizes watercolor crayon on 140lb watercolor paper, enhanced by a hidden layer of coins beneath the surface.

**A Symphony of Warmth:** Natale orchestrates a vibrant symphony of warm hues, blending fiery oranges, rich yellows, and hints of crimson red. These colors, reminiscent of a blazing sunset or molten glass, evoke a sense of intense heat and radiant energy. The colors are layered with a delicate touch, allowing them to bleed into one another, creating a sense of depth and movement that mimics the sun's ever-shifting surface.

**Texture as a Conduit of Light:**  The artwork's texture is central to its captivating effect. Natale's signature "dry then wet" technique with watercolor crayons creates a surface that is both visually intriguing and tactilely engaging. The initial dry application allows the tooth of the paper to shine through, creating a subtle roughness that captures the light, giving the colors a captivating luminosity. 

**Hidden Depths:**  Adding another layer of intrigue, Natale incorporates a hidden layer of coins beneath the paper during the creation process. This innovative technique creates subtle indentations and variations in texture, further enhancing the interplay of light and shadow. The result is a surface that appears to shimmer and pulsate, mimicking the sun's radiant energy. The viewer is drawn to explore the surface, discovering new nuances with each glance.

**Circles of Energy:**  Scattered across the canvas, like sunspots erupting on the sun's surface, are circles rendered in slightly more intense hues of red and orange. These circles, created by the pressure of the coins beneath, add a sense of rhythm and movement to the composition. They draw the viewer's eye across the artwork's surface, creating a sense of dynamic energy and visual intrigue.

**A Radiant Meditation:**  "Gilded by Coins, Kissed by Sun" is a captivating artwork that invites the viewer to bask in its radiant warmth and contemplate the sun's awe-inspiring power. Its vibrant palette, intricate textures, and innovative technique create a truly unique and mesmerizing visual experience. This piece is a testament to Natale's artistic vision and his ability to transform simple materials into a powerful meditation on light, energy, and the captivating beauty of the natural world. #431