Mantle of Many Colours, triptych, mixed media on board, each panel 4’ x 3’, 2004

Mimicking the cuttlefish's continuously changing display of oscillating colour, these 'chameleonesque' paintings do indeed fluctuates in colour - depending on the light and angle of viewing. Being the culmination of an Arts Council funded project of the same name, Mantel of Many Colours formed the centre piece of a solo-show at the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth (2004/5). The work has since been shown at 'From Sea to Air' - a solo exhibition at the Central Library, Birmingham - as part of Birmingham ArtsFest 2009.

Chameleon of the Sea, series, each piece 21 x 29.7 cm, 2004-6 ·

In an attempt to mimic the cuttlefish's ever-changing appearance, Schenk experimented with unconventional painting methods and materials, including the latest iridescent pigments. So far primarily restricted to industrial usage, the latter proved a real challenge.

Extensive, meticulous and time-consuming research was required to eventually achieve the desired effect. The resulting paintings fluctuate in perceived colour, depending both on light variation and the angle of vision

Mantle of Many Colours, triptych, mixed media on board, each panel 4’ x 3’, 2004

Mimicking the cuttlefish's continuously changing display of oscillating colour, these 'chameleonesque' paintings do indeed fluctuates in colour - depending on the light and angle of viewing. Being the culmination of an Arts Council funded project of the same name, Mantel of Many Colours formed the centre piece of a solo-show at the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth (2004/5). The work has since been shown at 'From Sea to Air' - a solo exhibition at the Central Library, Birmingham - as part of Birmingham ArtsFest 2009.