Euphoria
I do recall the thoughts running through my mind on my way back in 2006 from a long day in the City (by the way; the city is always London). I was reflecting on the precise moment when you truly feel, deep down, what it means to be alive. I mean really know it — my mind wandered to a particular place and time when you understand that implicitly, no matter what, there is only one possible outcome, and that would ultimately bring about the end of your life. In that instant, what would run through your mind: would there be a quiet despondency and a longing for a life missed, or would you, with the sharp clarity of your last breath, feel a sudden euphoric awakening?
Euphoria - the original a5 pencil sketch drawn on the train back from London - 2006. Normally, I would be able to complete a rough sketch on a single journey as my commute on the train from Waterloo was about 1hr 20min.
The finished painting - Euphoria 2025 (oil on Canvas 30in x 40in)
I do not recall exactly when I began this oil painting, but needless to say it was left abandoned in my studio for many years. It was only by taking part in the local Emsworth Arts Trail, where local artists open their studios to visitors, that the constant retelling of the story of an abandoned project finally broke this camel’s back and I set about finishing it for the arts trail in 2025.
The aerial perspective brought both challenges and possibilities; a stopover in Singapore en route to Borneo produced some photographs looking down onto the tops of palm trees which I used.
The main figure of the man, just as his toes lose contact with the earth, took some work and a little research to find a suitable reference, including a photo of myself (not shown). After multiple attempts I was happy with the final result — it’s a painting after all and not a photograph.
Once varnished, the distant green of the jungle below came back to life after being dulled over the years. So there you have it — Euphoria..