Summer Pause
Summer Pause by Meli Axford
Summer Pause captures a tranquil moment of stillness beneath the warm sun. The figure lounges on a towel, obscured by a large sunhat, as if taking a quiet break from the day’s activities. In the background, a small dog waits patiently with a ball, eager for play but respecting the stillness of the moment. The soft pastel tones of the setting evoke a sense of calm, contrasting with the energy of the waiting dog. The title reflects the fleeting moments of rest and relaxation in the midst of a vibrant summer day.
Medium: Oil on Canvas | Dimensions: 1500mm x 1200mm | Year: 2024
Summer Pause by Meli Axford
Summer Pause captures a tranquil moment of stillness beneath the warm sun. The figure lounges on a towel, obscured by a large sunhat, as if taking a quiet break from the day’s activities. In the background, a small dog waits patiently with a ball, eager for play but respecting the stillness of the moment. The soft pastel tones of the setting evoke a sense of calm, contrasting with the energy of the waiting dog. The title reflects the fleeting moments of rest and relaxation in the midst of a vibrant summer day.
Medium: Oil on Canvas | Dimensions: 1500mm x 1200mm | Year: 2024
Summer Pause by Meli Axford
Summer Pause captures a tranquil moment of stillness beneath the warm sun. The figure lounges on a towel, obscured by a large sunhat, as if taking a quiet break from the day’s activities. In the background, a small dog waits patiently with a ball, eager for play but respecting the stillness of the moment. The soft pastel tones of the setting evoke a sense of calm, contrasting with the energy of the waiting dog. The title reflects the fleeting moments of rest and relaxation in the midst of a vibrant summer day.
Medium: Oil on Canvas | Dimensions: 1500mm x 1200mm | Year: 2024
Part of Meli Axford’s acclaimed Pool Series, this painting explores the interplay between calm and anticipation, stillness and energy. The lounging figure symbolizes the need for pause and reflection, while the waiting dog injects an undercurrent of playful tension, embodying the joy of summer and the balance of activity and rest.
Axford’s mastery of pastel tones and negative space creates a serene yet emotionally layered composition. The soft hues of the scene evoke the warmth and tranquility of a summer day, while the subtle contrast between the figure’s stillness and the dog’s quiet energy invites viewers to reflect on their own moments of balance and connection.
Perfect for collectors of contemporary Australian art, Summer Pause offers a harmonious blend of simplicity and depth. This piece celebrates the quiet beauty of life’s in-between moments, making it a timeless addition to collections that value reflection, relaxation, and the vibrancy of Australian summers.