Woman, Wounded 2010 ©
Mixed Media on Canvas 24”x30”
"Often when I look at someone, I gain an impression and I sense an energy; however, I don't see the details. In fact, I rarely focus on faces because I'm more interested in the essence of a person," said Forbes when asked about Conceptual Bodies. "I use patterns, colors and different textures to represent the emotions and the spirit of the people I create. I can play with those layers in order to convey individuality and a tremendous array of feelings while I have a personal dialogue with the viewer."
For Conceptual Bodies, Forbes uses a multi-tier technique. She works upwards from flat foundations to create texture, thus transforming the two-dimensional into a vibrant crescendo of depth. Through this process, Forbes brings into fruition an undercurrent of one's emotional reality onto canvas.
The resulting impact, in the words of noted art consultant and author,
Jeremy Garfield-Davies:
“Forbes abstracts and translates captured energy through rich pigments which evoke the spirit of her carefully flexed figures. Her forms contain a wonderful vitality reminiscent, too, of the Fauves as they revel in the vibrancy of color, teasing the eye further through juxtaposed textures.
Anchored by a strong graphic structure, her abstract pools of vibrant, psychedelic color in both her series of human figures and in her often joyful non-representationals play across the canvas. The light tremors upon the surface of the paintings, highlighting the areas of color which dissolve into abstraction; hence a rhythm develops across their planes. An underlying sensuous energy of her anonymous contorting bodies resonate confidence within a kaleidoscope of shimmering color. Observed from afar, as we do with our own human condition, Forbes' paintings at once present a sea of vital united energy; yet, when approached, the component shapes separate to reveal a more diverse and fragmented make-up which divulges a greater depth and hidden complexity.”
Woman, Wayfarer 2011 ©
Mixed Media on Canvas 24”x30”
Woman, Orient 2011 ©
Mixed Media on Canvas 24”x30”
Woman, Wanderlust 2010 ©
Mixed Media on Canvas 16”x20”
Highlight of texture
*Woman, Expectant 2011 ©
Mixed Media on Canvas 24”x30”
*Woman, Hibiscus 2011 ©
Mixed Media on Canvas 24”x30”
Woman, Undercurrents 2011 ©
Mixed Media on Canvas 24”x30”
*Woman, Baja 2011 ©
Mixed Media on Canvas 24”x30”
*Woman, Kew Gardens 2012 ©
Mixed Media on Canvas 18”x36”
*Woman, Setting Sun 2012 ©
Mixed Media on Canvas 24”x30”
Woman, Aruba 2012 ©
Mixed Media on Canvas 24”x30”
Woman, Bohemian 2012 ©
Mixed Media on Canvas 24”x30”
*Indicates that item is no longer available
2012 © Sabina Forbes II retains copyright to her art & the text contained within.
No commercial use or reproduction shall be permitted without prior consent of the Artist.
If you are interested in earlier work from this series, please email
