The Picture

Original painting using Daniel Smith watercolours, with embellishments, on deckle edged watercolour paper, with a quote, unattributed, ‘What screws us up most in life is the picture in our heads of how it’s supposed to be’

Sold unframed 30cm x 42cm

An abstract artwork featuring blue watercolor rectangles and squares with black ink line drawings and circular stamps with text, on white textured paper with deckle edges,

This artwork is a subtle, contemplative composition — a layered grid of rectangular and square shapes in shifting shades of blue, arranged on textured white paper. From translucent sky-blues to rich, inky tones, the colour palette creates a quiet rhythm, like breath or tide.

Cutting across the geometric calm is a single, looping black line — fluid and continuous, it winds its way through the blocks like a wandering thought, softening the structure and bringing movement to the stillness.

Embedded within the piece are three circular stamps, each containing text around its edge. Together, they reveal a quietly subversive quote: “What screws us up most in life is the picture in our head of how it’s supposed to be.” The stamped forms interrupt the softness with intention — a conceptual counterpoint that adds depth and quiet tension.

The result is a balanced conversation between control and flow, certainty and change — a minimalist abstraction that gently invites reflection.

Detail of a larger painting, containing a circular stamp with blue ink and text.The stamp is positioned over a blue textured background with some smaller reflective blue squares.

Detail 1

Detail of a larger painting, containing a circular stamp with blue ink and text.The stamp is positioned over a blue textured background with some smaller reflective blue squares.
Detail of a larger painting, containing a circular stamp with blue ink and text.The stamp is positioned over a blue textured background with some smaller reflective blue squares.

Detail 2

Detail 3