Between Worlds, an Olive Tree (2025)Acrylic painting by Kirsty Wain

"Between Worlds, an Olive Tree" is a vibrant, expressionistic acrylic painting that depicts a single, monumental olive tree in a stylized landscape. The painting is characterized by its bold use of color, distinctive, flowing patterns, and a sense of dynamic energy.
The ancient, gnarled trunk of the olive tree is the central focus and dominates the canvas. It's rendered in abstract, undulating vertical forms rather than realistic bark. These forms are saturated with bright, non-naturalistic colors:
The center is a deep blue and purple with intense magenta and electric blue striations, giving it a powerful, almost columnar presence.

Flanking the central blue section are two forms erupting in fiery, warm tones—primarily orange, yellow, and red swirls that contrast dramatically with the cool central column. These wavy patterns suggest an internal, almost liquid energy or flame contained within the wood.
The overall structure of the trunk appears to split or merge, giving the impression of three entities intertwined or a single form in flux, embodying the title's suggestion of "Between Worlds."

The branches arch outward and upward, forming a wide, sweeping canopy. They are painted in deep purples and blues, contrasting with the paler pink and white blossoms and clusters of dark, blue-black olives hanging from them. The foliage is rendered as stylized, individual leaves in various shades of blue and teal.

The painting's style is reminiscent of Post-Impressionism and Expressionism, particularly in its use of heightened, unnatural color to convey emotion and energy. The dramatic contrast between the cool (blue/purple) and warm (orange/yellow) sections of the trunk suggests a theme of duality, transformation, or conflict/harmony. The vibrant patterns create a rhythmic, pulsing effect that makes the static image feel intensely alive. The artwork is signed "Wain '25" in the lower right corner.

The large canvas size of 173×130 cm means that this piece, "Between Worlds, an Olive Tree," will be shipped unstretched and rolled securely in a protective tube. This method ensures the safest and most economical delivery for an artwork of this scale. Upon arrival, the buyer can easily have the canvas professionally stretched onto a wooden frame and then framed according to their personal preference. This flexibility allows for a custom presentation, whether it be a simple gallery wrap or a more elaborate decorative frame.

Materials used:

acrylic paint

Details:

• Acrylic painting on Canvas
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 173 x 130 x 0.5cm (unframed) / 173 x 130cm (actual image size)
• Signed on the front
• Style: Impressionistic
• Subject: Landscapes, sea and sky

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