This abstract painting is composed of horizontal bands of clouds that read almost like stripes, with minimal reference to depth or perspective. At first, the surface appears flat and direct, yet subtle visual shifts suggest a horizon line beneath, opening into a more three-dimensional sense of sky. The interplay of what is hidden and what lies just beyond sight is brought to life through the materiality of the paint—thick layers of oil and wax in muted gray-blue tones that form the cloud bands. These skies were inspired by my recent photography trip along the west coast of Scotland.