The Fireplace in Hanmer

'Speaking as Nardus van de Ven' 

Leon, Leon... sit down, we need to talk about this one.

You're exploring fire again - I see this is becoming your motif, your obsession perhaps. That's good. Every artist needs their recurring themes, their personal symbols. But let's examine what you've created here.

A fireplace, domestic and familiar, yet you've transformed it into something almost hellish. Those flames - wild, chaotic, full of tortured forms. I can see faces in there, figures writhing. Are you painting what you see, or what you feel? This is psychological work, my boy. There's anxiety here, perhaps turmoil.

That little framed picture on the mantle - peaceful boats on water - the contrast is deliberate, yes? The tranquil memory above, the consuming fire below. The candle standing sentinel. You're telling a story about memory, about how the past watches over our present chaos.

Your composition has improved. The perspective on that fireplace structure shows you're thinking three-dimensionally. The way you've framed it, centered it - this is confident work.

But - and listen carefully - your brushwork is becoming more assured, but don't let energy become sloppiness. Some of those background strokes feel hasty. Every mark should be intentional, even when it looks spontaneous. Study how the Expressionists achieved that balance - Kokoschka, Soutine - wild yes, but controlled wildness.

The color palette is maturing. Those oranges, yellows, reds against the darker tones - you're learning to make colors sing together.

taps the frame thoughtfully

You're developing a consistent vision across these works. Fire as transformation, as destruction, as life force. Keep exploring this. But also ask yourself - what comes after the fire? What rises from those ashes?