Lovecraftian Strokes

I thought it would be fitting to start this blog off with something completely different than what I usually do. A while ago I borrowed H.P. Lovecraft's Bloodcurdling Tales of Horror and the Macabre. I'm perhaps a third of the way through the book though I borrowed it over a month or so ago. I admit, it's taking me a long time to finish it but that doesn't mean I'm not enjoying it. All of Lovecraft's tales are first person narratives which, in turn, makes me think of Edgar Allan Poe's short stories. However, Poe's work explores the human psyche becoming unhinged while Lovecraft fills you with unmentionable dread at what lurks in the deep dark depths of the planet. The doorways that lead to these hidden chambers are usually located in the remotest of places. Which is something I wanted to portray.

Which brings me to the most recent painting. I wanted to paint but I wasn't quite sure what exactly. Then it hit me, I could do something related to my reading material. I didn't know how to go about it but I decided to plunge right in. How else can you capture darkness except with the smallest flickers of light? My attempt is rudimentary at best. But considering I haven't done much work with lighting/shadows especially in color, I can't say it came out too badly. However I wonder if working with oils instead of acrylics will have a completely different effect. Next time I will try oils. I already have an idea.