Portofino sailing, 18 x 24 in., Acrylic, Plexiglass, 2013

Title: "Portofino Sailing"

Artist: Rossi Kelton

Medium: Acrylic on Plexiglass

"Portofino Sailing" by Rossi Kelton is a vibrant representation of the quintessential Italian cityscape, imbued with an abstract interpretation that lends the piece a whimsical yet introspective quality. Kelton, known for her ability to infuse abstract ideas into real-world scenery, truly excels in this acrylic painting on plexiglass.

The canvas showcases Portofino, an idyllic Italian fishing village and upmarket resort famous for its picturesque harbor and historical association with celebrity visitors. However, Kelton deviates from a mundane representation, instead inviting viewers into a world of color and abstraction, replete with an imaginative visual language that challenges the conventions of traditional landscapes.

Rendered in a riotous spectrum of hues, the painting is an abstract symphony of Portofino's iconic houses and boats nestled on the shoreline. The houses, represented through dynamic geometrical shapes, do not adhere strictly to reality. They instead echo the vibrancy of life in Portofino, with doors and windows represented in shades of cobalt blue, sunshine yellow, and rich scarlet that counterpose against the milky pastel backdrop of the city.

The boats, on the other hand, are amalgamations of crimson, emerald, and tangerine patches. They appear to undulate rhythmically with the waves that Kelton has painted in electric blues and purples. These streaks of color appear to sway, taking the viewer on an abstract journey through the gentle motions of the Mediterranean Sea.

A masterstroke of Kelton's work is the mirror images of windows and doors reflecting off the water. It creates a fascinating duality, almost an echo of the city above, albeit distorted by the water's movement. The use of plexiglass enhances this mirror effect, adding depth to the painting while making the reflections shimmer, thus creating an illusion of the painting's constant mutation based on viewing angles and light.

The painting's vitality, created by the interplay of color, shape, and reflection, forges a bond between the viewer and Portofino. It encourages them to delve into the artwork and draw their interpretations, ultimately fostering a dialogue between the viewer and the artist.

"Portofino Sailing" is more than a painting; it is an emotional journey. With each stroke of her brush, Kelton breathes life into this quaint Italian city, compelling viewers to sail along on this artistic journey, inspiring a longing for the distant, charming shores of Portofino.