Given Ground is the fourth piece in the What Remains series — six large-format mixed media paintings exploring what persists in a landscape after disruption. A yellow acrylic ink base is layered with dark green ink, the yellow breaking through in luminous gaps like sunlight through a forest canopy.
Ghost impressions of Spreading Dogbane and Snowberry — both prolific spreaders — fill the background, pressed into wet ink then removed. In the foreground, Dalmatian Toadflax takes center stage for the first time, its bright yellow blooms rising through the green on a tall diagonal stem, accompanied by small Sagebrush Buttercups nestled in lichen at the base. Toadflax has appeared as a ghost in earlier pieces in this series — background, recurring, persistent. Here it finally claims the foreground. Given ground, it takes it completely.
Size: 16x20x1.5"
Medium: acrylic ink and botanical on canvas
Note: The painting is protected with multiple coats of Fine Art Fixative to help shield against UV damage, as well as archival varnish spray for added UV protection. Hanging paintings in direct sunlight will affect color retention over time.
