Study in Transparency and Opacity

By Kieran

 A Study in Transparency and Opacity

 


Original painting and ode by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2026, as I continue to study glass in all its intricacies


Objects of clear glass bend light, subtly refracting and even distorting it.
Now add to it curvature with a slight tint and just for fun make it sunlit 😅

Add water for yet another dimension to the composition, making it interesting
While we're at it, throw in a juicy peach (that's if you are still listening)😳

Juxtapose it with an opaque green decanter that casts a stately graded shadow 🤭
It glints in the sunlit and gently reflects the colors with a soft muted glow

I'm sure there are some interesting interactions at play that I may have missed
It started off as a study in transparency and opacity that I just couldn't resist

Comments

Anonymous said…
Lovely! Your art is truly inspiring, Kieran. And it’s great that you are constantly experimenting. I have often wondered at the skill required to show glass/opacity. You’ve done a great job. Also thank you for the write up. It’s very interesting and useful especially for folks like me who have little idea of the science and optics behind paintings. Keep them coming! (WhatsApp comment on a college alumni group)
March 19, 2026 at 9:20 PM
Kieran said…
Thanks @⁨Anita Chopra⁩ - there’s so much to learn! One day at a time is what I say. Glad you liked it - Kieran
March 19, 2026 at 9:20 PM
Anonymous said…
Wow there are so many details in water colors. I had never thought of opaque and transparent painting. Really good job Kieran. 👌👌 (WhatsApp comment from a school friend in Pune who is very appreciative of my artwork)
March 23, 2026 at 6:41 PM
Kieran said…
Thanks Sanjeev. I’m blissfully rushing around like a bull in a China shop 😅🤭
March 23, 2026 at 6:41 PM
Anonymous said…
Adding Principle's of Physics in your creations 👌 (WhatsApp comment from an appreciative school friend in Pune)
March 23, 2026 at 6:42 PM
Kieran said…
Thanks, Nilesh. I drew this from my imagination - quite reckless, no?
Without the water I imagine the glass vase would not reflect the orange 🍊… not sure if my theory is true. What do you think?- Kieran
March 23, 2026 at 6:42 PM
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