This painting is from a series of works that are based upon the proportions of the golden rectangle—a rectangle whose side lengths are in the golden ratio, a mathematical concept that has been understood since ancient times. This procedure can be repeated infinitely, and such natural occurrences as the golden spiral of a Nautilus shell reflect the underlying mathematical concept. Golden rectangles are thought to be especially pleasing to the eye because of their close relationship to nature. This compositional format also lends itself to abstract interpretations of Greek myths—in this case the story of Narcissus, who fell in love with a reflection of himself in a pool of water, resulting in tragic consequences—although in his place a flower sprouted which now bears his name. — Mark Leonard
Palm Springs-based painter Mark Leonard trained as an artist before deciding to pursue a career as a paintings restorer. He earned a multi-disciplinary Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art, Art History, and Chemistry from Oberlin College, and a Master’s in Art History from the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University. Leonard first worked as a restorer for The Metropolitan Museum of Art before spending twenty-six years at The J. Paul Getty Museum, with 12 of those years as the Head of Paintings Conservation. In 2012 he was invited to become the first Chief Conservator at the Dallas Museum of Art, where he built a new conservation studio and expanded the department. In 2017, he returned to working full-time as an independent artist.
[excerpted from Louis Stern Fine Arts website: www.louissternfinearts.com]