California Poppies Abstraction – Oil on canvas painting
The artist Christian Hammer was inspired by the wild poppies that grow on his farm, finding joy and gratitude in their unassuming yet vibrant beauty. The painting captures the ephemeral nature of the poppies, their brilliant colors set against the dark field. The artist’s careful attention to detail and precise brushwork are evident in this painting, despite its subject matter of wildflowers.
The dark blue background and abstracted elements contrast with the vibrancy of the poppies, giving the painting a dynamic and visually interesting composition. The contrast between the representational flowers and the more stylized background creates a sense of depth and movement, drawing the viewer’s eye into the scene.
The painting is a reminder to appreciate the simple and fleeting pleasures of life, and to find beauty in the everyday.
30″ x 40″ Oil painting on Canvas by Christian Hammer in 2022
My Sense of South Whidbey Island
Oil Painting by Christian Hammer 2022
Through a series of studies and explorations of the island’s culture, the artist created a visual love letter to Whidbey Island. The painting brings together elements of the local businesses and wildlife capturing the essence of the island in a single scene. The artist hopes to convey a sense of connection and belonging, even in times of isolation and separation.
The painting is a celebration of the island’s unique character and a reminder of the importance of community and connection.
The painting’s composition, with its balanced arrangement of elements and its vibrant colors, draws the viewer in, inviting them to explore the scene and discover its hidden details. The painting is a testament to the power of art to connect us to each other and to the places we call home.
The artist hopes that viewers will take the time to slow down and appreciate the details of the painting, and perhaps see their own experiences reflected in its imagery. They may find themselves transported to the rugged shores of Whidbey Island, or simply inspired to explore and appreciate the beauty of their own surroundings. Ultimately, the artist hopes to convey a sense of hope, belonging, and possibility, even in uncertain times.
16″ x 20″ Oil painting on Canvas by the artist Christian Hammer in 2022
“Great Pacific” Oil Painting by the Artist Christian Hammer
In ‘Great Pacific Octopus’, Christian Hammer pays tribute to the Giant Pacific Octopus and the biodiversity of the ocean. Through the intricate depiction of this amazing creature, the artist invites the viewer to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the natural world. The painting also serves as a reminder to take the time to notice the small details and hidden gems that are often overlooked.
It’s a celebration of life in all its forms, from the tiniest creature to the vast ocean itself.
The painting ‘Great Pacific (Octopus)’ is an invitation to connect with the natural world and to appreciate its wonders. The central octopus, rendered in intricate detail, draws the viewer in with its vibrant colors and lifelike presence. The abstract background creates a sense of mystery and distance, as if the octopus is a window into another reality.
Through this contrast, the painting highlights the importance of finding connection and meaning in the seemingly mundane and ordinary Sometimes, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and forget to notice the small moments of beauty around us. The octopus in the painting seems to suggest that we should take a moment to stop and look more closely at the world, to find the hidden gems that are often overlooked.
The Giant Pacific Octopus is an important part of the delicate balance of life in the ocean. As a keystone species, the octopus plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the marine ecosystem. Its presence affects many other species, from the algae and kelp it eats to the fish and other creatures that feed on it.
By depicting this one species in such detail, the artist reminds us of the interconnectedness of all life and the need to protect and preserve these delicate ecosystems.
18″ x 24″ Oil painting on Canvas by artist Christian Hammer 2022
Critique of ‘Bottles and Fish’
An Oil Painting by the artist Christian Hammer
In ‘Bottles and Fish’, the artist explores the complex relationship between humanity and nature. The juxtaposition of the fancy bottles and humble goldfish represents the way that humans often elevate material objects while overlooking the value of the natural world. At the same time, the vibrant colors and intricate details of the bottles show that even in our artificial creations, we cannot escape the beauty and complexity of nature.
The goldfish, with its bright colors and lively energy, is a symbol of hope, luck, and perseverance.
Despite its small size and humble surroundings, the goldfish seems content and at peace. This can be seen as a metaphor for the human capacity to find joy and meaning even in difficult circumstances. It also speaks to the resilience of nature, which can thrive even in the most unexpected places.
In the context of the pandemic, ‘Bottles and Fish’ becomes a powerful statement about the importance of slowing down and appreciating the simple pleasures of life. The artist invites the viewer to pause and reflect on the beauty that exists all around us, even in a world that can often feel chaotic and overwhelming. It’s a reminder to take time for self-care and to find joy in everyday moments.
The bottles represent the material world and the busyness of modern life.
They’re colorful and eye-catching, but also empty and hollow. The emptiness of the bottles is a reminder that material possessions can only bring fleeting happiness. They’re no substitute for the peace and contentment that comes from connecting with nature and finding meaning in simple things.
The message of ‘Bottles and Fish’ is ultimately one of hope and resilience. Even in the darkest and most uncertain times, there is still beauty to be found. The goldfish, with its simple joy and perseverance, is a symbol of the human spirit and our capacity to find light even in the darkest places.
The painting is a celebration of the strength of the human heart and the healing power of nature.
16″ x 12″ Oil painting on reclaimed wood panel by Christian Hammer in 2022
Review of Night Octopus
an Oil painting by the artist Christian Hammer
The painting ‘Night Octopus’ is a meditation on memory and the way our experiences shape our perceptions. The reclaimed wood on which the painting is created serves as a metaphor for the way our memories are layered and imperfect, with traces of the past still visible beneath the surface. The ghostly imprints of past paintings represent the way our past experiences influence our present perceptions, even if they are not always consciously remembered.
The wood in this painting has lived many lives before it became a canvas for this artwork. It was once a living tree, growing and thriving in a forest. Then it was cut down and transformed into something new, perhaps a piece of furniture or a home.
After years of use, it was eventually discarded and reclaimed, finding new purpose as the substrate for this painting.
The octopus is a fascinating creature, with its eight arms and incredible intelligence.
In this painting, the octopus represents the complexity and mystery of the human mind. Its many arms symbolize the many thoughts, memories, and ideas that constantly swirl within our minds. The swirling patterns in the background represent the way these thoughts and memories often feel abstract and hard to grasp.
In a sense, our minds are like a vast ocean, with thoughts and memories like currents and waves. The octopus in the painting is like a guide through this ocean of the mind, helping us to navigate and make sense of it all.
The purpose of this painting is to remind us that our minds are a rich and complex place, full of possibility and wonder. The octopus and the swirling patterns represent the mystery and fluidity of thought, while the reclaimed wood speaks to the endurance of the human spirit. This piece is an invitation to explore our inner worlds, and to find beauty and meaning in the depths of our own minds.
