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Leap of Faith by Joel Simon is an evocative original figurative painting that occupies a captivating space between contemporary realism and poetic abstraction. Painted in oil on canvas, the work presents a solitary female figure suspended against an expansive pale blue ground, creating an immediate sense of openness, weightlessness, and quiet contemplation.
Simon’s impressionistic approach gently softens the contours of the figure, allowing her form to appear almost dreamlike against the surrounding space. Rather than defining the figure through sharp outlines, the artist uses delicate transitions and expressive brushwork to create a sense of movement, as though she is floating through air or drifting beneath the surface of water.
The restrained colour palette is central to the painting’s serene atmosphere. Soft sky blues, luminous whites, and muted blush tones create a tranquil foundation, while the mauve swimsuit introduces a subtle warmth that draws the eye towards the figure. Across the pale background, loosely worked passages suggest clouds, rippling water, or shifting currents, reinforcing the impression of suspended movement.
Despite its minimalist composition, Leap of Faith carries considerable emotional depth. The figure seems caught between falling and flying, surrender and control, vulnerability and freedom. This ambiguity gives the work its poetic character, encouraging viewers to bring their own interpretation to the moment depicted.
Simon’s sensitive handling of oil paint enhances the painting’s luminosity and atmospheric quality. Layers of softly applied colour create a surface that feels both airy and tactile, while the spacious composition gives the figure room to breathe. The result is a contemporary figurative artwork with a distinctly meditative presence.
At its heart, Leap of Faith can be read as a visual meditation on trust, liberation, surrender, and the courage required to embrace uncertainty. The floating figure becomes a quiet symbol of stepping beyond the familiar and allowing oneself to move freely through the unknown.
For collectors seeking original contemporary figurative art, oil paintings on canvas, or atmospheric artworks exploring the relationship between the human figure and abstract space, Leap of Faith offers a sophisticated and contemplative addition to a contemporary collection.
Leap of Faith is an original artwork by Joel Simon and is available for acquisition from Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online.
Artist biography:
Joel Simon was born in Belgium, where he studied Fine Art at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts de Liège before later living in the United States and England. He eventually settled in Belfast, Northern Ireland, whose urban landscape became a lasting inspiration for many of his paintings.
Before dedicating himself fully to painting, Joel Simon enjoyed an internationally renowned career as an animation director, receiving more than 50 international awards and collaborating with distinguished figures such as Seamus Heaney and Billy Connolly.
Over time, he transitioned into oil painting, developing a distinctive style characterised by cinematic compositions, expansive cityscapes, atmospheric light, and stylised figures. His work combines the narrative quality of film with the technical precision of classical painting, creating contemporary realist works with a powerful emotional presence.
Joel further refined his practice through the study of traditional oil glazing techniques at The Florence Studio, alongside alla prima painting with Russian artist Arthur Gain. This blend of classical training and cinematic storytelling has become central to his artistic identity.
His work has been acquired by international collectors and selected for exhibition by prestigious institutions including The Royal Academy London, The Royal Ulster Academy, The Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, and The Royal Scottish Academy, as well as numerous group exhibitions throughout the UK and Ireland.
Explore original Joel Simon paintings for sale, including contemporary realist urban landscapes and figurative oil paintings. Renowned for their cinematic atmosphere, refined technique, and distinctive visual language, his works appeal to collectors seeking both technical mastery and emotional depth. Discover original Joel Simon artworks available at Signet Contemporary Art and online.
“My paintings reveal the beauty and depth of everyday moments, as seen through a cinematic prism.
I explore the symbiosis between public spaces and private life, inviting the viewer to glimpse the quiet poetry of personal moments often drowned out by the noise of modern existence. My compositions depict contemporary urban environments which are populated by lone enigmatic characters, and emotionally charged scenes— in a style often described as Narrative Realism.
In my work, the architecture of the modern metropolis takes a leading role alongside the human figure. I’m drawn to the visceral energy of the streets and the voyeuristic tension that arises as indoors and outdoors begin to blur. My background in filmmaking has profoundly shaped my painting practice. An atmosphere of Film Noir runs through my work, with its dramatic lighting, contrasting hues, and a certain ethereal quality that speaks to the emotional undercurrents of urban life..”- Joel Simon