Into the Mist

After a cycle ride with the family around Haldon Forest, the mist descended into the valley of pine trees, inspiring this evocative piece. Into the Mist captures that serene moment, blending subtle depths of Payne's Grey with undertones of ultramarine to evoke a calming, mysterious atmosphere. This work recalls the joyful "happy trees" of Bob Ross, one of the original inspirations behind my journey into art.
 
With undertones of ultramarine blue, mixed with Payne's Grey, the secret to the vibrant blue colour within both lapis and synthetic ultramarine, is the presence of polysulfide anions (S₃⁻), at the centre of an aluminosilicate mineral structure (Na₈Al₆Si₆O₂₄Sₓ). From a Chemistry perspective, this is an interesting exception to the typical pigment rulebook. Most coloured compounds are coloured due to absorption of light by electrons found within partially filled d-orbitals (transition metal ions), or conjugated systems (like phthalocyanine blue). However, Ultramarine blue derives its colour from charge-transfer transitions within these Sulfur groups.