'AS YOU WERE' - Oil on Canvas

The artwork titled ‘As You Were’ by Michael Prettyman is a contemplative piece that combines elements of abstraction and figuration. The central figure, which is shrouded or cloaked, is rendered with a rich, earthy palette of browns, umbers, and ochres, evoking the feeling of organic material or the natural world.
The figure is depicted with a soft, almost ethereal quality, as if emerging from or merging with the background. A halo or corona of light seems to emanate from or surround the figure's head, suggesting a spiritual or otherworldly presence. This luminous effect contrasts with the darker, more grounded tones of the figure itself, creating a focal point that draws the viewer's eye.
The background is a hazy, muted green that fades into the edges of the canvas, providing a calming counterpoint to the warmer tones of the figure. The subtle gradient of the background suggests depth and space, giving the figure a sense of being situated within a larger environment.
Textures in the painting are varied, with some areas appearing smooth and others showing visible brushwork or palette knife marks, adding to the overall tactile experience of the piece. The painting's surface is dynamic, with a sense of movement and flow that enhances the figure's drapery.
Overall, 'As You Were' is an evocative work that balances between representation and abstraction. It invites introspection and evokes themes of identity, presence, and the passage between the physical and the metaphysical. The artwork's title, ‘As You Were,’ may imply a return to a previous state or essence, adding a layer of narrative or conceptual depth to the visual experience.