The Opportunity

Description:

In The Opportunity, the viewer is drawn into a moment suspended between nature, human intention, and the pull of unseen forces. At the heart of the composition, a Greater Spotted Woodpecker perches on a wall next to a woman. She wears a large hat with a red brim and a black-and-white polka-dot band, a striking figure whose eyes are hidden from view, as if contemplating something just beyond our reach. 

The woodpecker’s presence is no mere coincidence. In many cultures, this bird is a symbol of new opportunities - those sudden, often surprising chances that appear at our door when we least expect them. Its attention to the woman, in particular, suggests that the opportunity in question is not random, but directed toward her - an invitation for growth, perhaps, or a pivotal decision that requires action.

The stormy backdrop of black and red clouds serves as a stark contrast to the otherwise calm scene, representing internal or external turbulence - challenges that often accompany moments of transformation. The chaos of the sky suggests that opportunity does not come without its trials, but that growth and change are often found in the midst of struggle.

The opportunity is on offer, but the question remains: will she grasp it, or will she let it slip away into the stormy distance?

In The Opportunity, we are invited to reflect not only on the external forces that shape our lives but on the internal decisions that determine whether we embrace change when it knocks. The painting challenges us to consider the moments when the possibility of transformation is within reach, and whether we are ready to face the unknown and seize what is waiting just beyond our view.

• A truly unique and original painting, only one of its kind in existence!
• Oil on canvas.
• Painting size: 20" x 16".
  
• Black stained wood frame 10mm with a shadow gap, ready to hang.
• Your chance to own your very own hand-painted one-off "Buss".
• Signed on the front and reverse by the artist Anna-Marie Buss.
• Free delivery in the UK.
• International shipping is through a fine art logistics company, handled with the upmost care (please note - if you are ordering from outside of the UK, your order may be subject to a local import charge upon delivery, which is out of my control). 
• Dispatched within 7 days but processing times may vary. I aim to send it as early as possible. Let me know if you require it sooner and I'll do my best.
• Prints available on request, let me know what size and whether you would like it on stretched canvas or an acid free fine art paper, and I'll give you a price.  

From the series "The Wall"

“The Wall” is an evocative series of paintings that draws inspiration from the art movement “Les Nabis” (1888–1900), whose works revolutionised visual storytelling through bold planes of unmediated colour and rich symbolism. Like the Nabis' ethos of blending the everyday with the spiritual, “The Wall” transforms a simple structure - a wall - into a canvas for layered meaning, inviting contemplation and dialogue. Each painting in the series captures a distinct moment, rendered in vibrant, deliberate tones that echo the symbolic style of the Nabis. These walls are not mere barriers; they are witnesses, storytellers, and keepers of secrets. Hidden within their textured surfaces, fragmented symbols, and cryptic motifs lies a message, its meaning shifting with each viewer’s interpretation. Is the wall a boundary or a passage? A place of confinement or connection? ”The Wall” challenges us to look beyond its surface and question what is revealed, concealed, or left unsaid in its enigmatic presence.

How is it created:

After hours of thoughtful planning and meticulous composition work, combining detailed hand sketches with advanced digital techniques, Anna-Marie begins her painting. Working in sections, she starts by crafting a dramatic dark sky, skilfully blending oil paints to create depth and emotion. Once the sky dries, she carefully paints the figure and bird, layering each element with precision. She then focuses on the textured wall, often using a painting knife and thick, expressive strokes to achieve a tactile effect. Finally, after allowing all the layers to dry completely, she applies a protective gloss varnish, ensuring the piece is preserved and its vibrancy enhanced for years to come.