Midsummer Eve - Original - SOLD

Midsummer Eve - Kerry Darlington

In a garden suspended somewhere between dreams and reality, Kerry Darlington brings together the enchantment of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, the idyllic beauty of the Garden of Eden and the extraordinary creatures of fantasy literature in Midsummer Eve, an original painting of remarkable intricacy and imagination.

At the heart of the composition sits a young woman, her long auburn hair cascading amongst the flowers and foliage as butterflies gather around her. Her peaceful expression evokes the innocence and curiosity of Eve, whilst the surrounding woodland seems to possess a magic all of its own. Cascading blossoms, delicate butterflies and an extraordinary gathering of woodland creatures transform the garden into a world where nature and imagination exist in perfect harmony.

Amongst her companions, a white bird spreads its wings, a squirrel descends from the branches above, and a beautiful white creature watches from the canopy. Most intriguing is the pine marten, a subtle connection to Kerry's enduring fascination with Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials, in which the animal companions known as dæmons embody the profound connection between a person and their inner self.

The painting's title is a beautifully considered play on words, evoking both the enchantment of a midsummer evening and the figure of Eve within an idyllic paradise. There is also something distinctly Shakespearean about this woodland setting, where familiar rules seem to dissolve and extraordinary encounters become possible.

Kerry's exceptional attention to detail reveals itself throughout the composition. Individual petals, delicate feathers, intricate fur and translucent butterfly wings emerge from layers of richly worked colour, while the soft, atmospheric treatment of the central figure creates an extraordinary contrast with the surrounding natural world.

As a one-of-a-kind original painting, Midsummer Eve captures a moment of perfect stillness within an enchanted world, celebrating the beauty of nature, the wonder of imagination and the quiet companionship of the creatures with whom we share our stories.

Specifications

• Medium: Original Hand Painted on board and finished with an archival varnish.
• Image Size: 88.9 x 88.9 cm / 35" x 35"
• Framed Size: 110.9 x 110.9 cm / 43.66" x 43.66" 
• Frame: Signature Silver / Blue sculpted frame.

The Most Magical Gifts Come Framed 🎄
For someone you love, or a little something you've fallen in love with yourself. Some gifts are simply too magical to resist. Guaranteed delivery in time for Christmas.