Gorilla Oil Painting Monet Fallen leaves and tall reeds

Fallen leaves and tall reeds in the foreground add quiet detail to a composition steeped in northern stillness

every strand seeming to move with its weight

the cool silver surface modelled in luminous greys and bright white highlights

as though the day is holding its breath before dusk

Gorilla Oil Painting Monet Fallen leaves and tall reedsA gorilla's brooding face emerges from a riot of colour in this expressive oil style portrait. Loose, energetic brushstrokes build the muzzle, cheeks and heavy brow in cobalt, magenta, teal and acid green, while the steady amber eyes hold a calm, almost soulful intensity at the centre of the storm. Behind the head, a vivid spectrum of orange, lime and pink splashes across the background like a painter's palette set loose, with stray drips trailing