When the Wind Lifted the Haar- Elgol.

Rising sea mist, seen across the sea from Algo, on a freezing-cold day made a dramatic sky seem otherworldly as it shrouded parts of the Cuillins  mountain range silhouetted against the disappearing sunset. An invisible moon cast an intensely vibrant light through the clouds above creating a visual paradox. As the turbulent wind whipped the clouds, it forced part of the evening sea mist to lift, revealing some of the profile of the primaeval volcanic mountains.

 In part, this painting was commenting on the impact of global warming which is causing such an increase in wind velocity and tidal force bringing coastal erosion. However, the intention was to convey the extraordinary and resilient beauty of our environment which prevails in spite of our neglect of it as we failed to appropriately mitigate climate change.. For this painting Michael Harding oil paints with Michael Harding Miracle Medium were applied using a large brush and pallet knife on canvas in studio working from memory, assisted by multiple pastel and charcoal field sketches. The sharp contrast of the warm colours of the distant sunset was deliberately set against the cold palette used for sea, shoreline and cloud. The palette was very limited to achieve colour harmony throughout the piece in spite of the contrast. The intention was to convey the atmosphere and the colossal force of the turbulence whilst still portraying the sense of infinity that the huge vistas of this remote place impart. The wild beauty of this primaeval scene has endured so long it seems difficult to believe that the human race can truly destroy it.