2017
Africa Blue
A small painting recalling a journey to Kenya with Karolina: a proposal in the Mara, a blue stone from Mombasa, and an evening at Diani Beach. It remains in a private collection, in his wife’s childhood home in Poland.
Read the artist’s accountEnquire about this work
In the artist’s words
The story behind the painting
The original account is preserved below, including its wording and historical collection notes.
Read the complete original story
About the painting
Karolina and I went to Kenya for a sumptuous safari. We took in the whole vibe, like children we were experiencing things for the first time. Senses heightened, love enriched...we saw the most beautiful beasts; the illusive leopard, the funny baboon and the heart-broken wildebeest. Lions roamed free, we heard their roars late at night as we slept in our Hemingway tent. We were rejuvenated. In the Mara, and after Benson Leparan (our guide) made sure I didn't chicken out, I proposed to the most gracious woman, Karolina .
Few days later, to further celebrate the moment, I offered her a blue precious stone from Mombasa. That evening Karolina wore her necklace as she stood in the balcony of a charming Diani Beach hotel. I could swear I saw the universe in her eyes that night.
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Measurements: 40x40cm
Private collection
Why it was painted
With Karolina it is easy to feel at peace with the universe. It is easy to smile back at the skies and be grateful. Although she's not one for much poetry and showing of affection, Africa Blue had to be painted, for me.
The painting might be small, but it has massive emotional depth.
It now hangs in my wife's childhood home in Poland.