Sanderson, Ruth – Unicorns 14 (end Ruth Sanderson

The composition presents a group of equine figures traversing a body of water towards a distant horizon. The scene is bathed in the soft, diffused light characteristic of twilight or dawn, lending it a dreamlike quality. A muted palette dominates – predominantly shades of purple, grey, and gold – with subtle gradations that soften the edges and create an atmospheric perspective.
The artist has rendered three distinct creatures, each possessing a single horn projecting from its forehead. These figures are not depicted with meticulous detail; instead, they appear as dark silhouettes against the shimmering water, their forms somewhat blurred by motion and distance. They move purposefully through the waves, creating a dynamic interplay between the animals’ forward momentum and the turbulent surface of the water. The artist has captured the foam and spray of the breaking waves with an impressionistic touch, using short, broken brushstrokes to convey texture and movement.
Two dark rocks jut from the water in the middle ground, providing visual anchors within the expansive scene. They are rendered with a similar lack of sharp detail as the figures, contributing to the overall sense of ambiguity and etherealness. The sky above is a wash of pale pinks and oranges, further enhancing the feeling of a fleeting moment – a transition between day and night.
The subtexts embedded in this work suggest themes of myth, transformation, and perhaps even longing. The presence of these horned creatures immediately evokes associations with folklore and fantasy, hinting at a realm beyond the ordinary. Their movement through water can be interpreted as symbolic of purification or passage – a journey from one state to another. The indistinctness of their forms and the muted color scheme contribute to an atmosphere of mystery, inviting contemplation on themes of identity and perception. The vastness of the seascape reinforces a sense of scale and insignificance, suggesting that these creatures are part of something larger than themselves – a timeless narrative unfolding within the landscape.