Description

The Third Step (2022): Original Recovery Art Oil Painting

The Third Step (2022) is a powerful, visually compelling original oil painting on canvas by South African contemporary artist Lucille Fernandes-Stangl. Measuring 80 cm x 120 cm, this vertical composition focuses intently on a single step—a dramatic, low-angle perspective centered on a worn shoe firmly grounded on a floor where light and texture converge. The work captures the physical and emotional weight of making a decision, stepping forward into the unknown, and releasing control.

“We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God, as we understand him”. Some do this gracefully, some with a dragging of the feet. Sometimes is a dance, sometimes clumsy. Much like the dance of ballet, it looks graceful from the outset, much pain is involved, much work, much figuring out this Higher Power thing. This portrait is of a ballet dancer. I know and her journey. Trusting that maybe something in this world has a better idea of what is suited to me than I do, even if it is just not me.”

— Lucille Fernandes-Stangl, Artist Statement

In contemporary recovery art, the third step marks a profound turning point: turning one’s will and life over to a higher path. By centering the action on a grounded foot pushing off the ground, Lucille Fernandes-Stangl translates a spiritual concept into a raw, visceral, somatic experience. It is an extraordinary visual centerpiece for fine art collectors, gallery curation, and spaces dedicated to recovery and personal transformation.

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Artistic Technique, Color Palette & Medium

Created entirely in studio using professional-grade oil colours on canvas, The Third Step (2022) showcases a masterclass in dynamic perspective, foreshortening, and heavy impasto application. The artist builds layers of paint to accentuate the worn leather, rubber sole, and light breaking across the floor.

The color palette is characterized by striking contrast and earth-bound tones:

• Luminous Yellows & Lime Accents: Vibrant yellow and green highlights in the background create a sense of incoming light, direction, and hope.
• Earthy Umbers & Indigo Blues: Deep indigo jeans and rich sepia tones give structural weight and realism to the advancing leg and footwear.
• Tactile Neutrals & Reflection: Textured, multi-tonal floor surfaces anchor the lower canvas with rich impasto depth.

All materials and pigments used conform to high archival and lightfast standards, preserving the painting’s structural integrity and vivid color depth for generations.

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The Narrative: Willingness, Action & Recovery Art

Unlike abstract representations of spiritual concepts, The Third Step (2022) grounds the idea of surrender in tangible physical reality. A step requires movement, weight shift, and trust. Through expressive brushwork and extreme perspective, the painting invites viewers to consider their own moments of stepping forward into willingness.

As part of Lucille Fernandes-Stangl’s acclaimed body of work on addiction, recovery, and human connection, this studio original turns a quiet personal action into a lasting piece of contemporary fine art.

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Artwork Specifications & Fine Art Provenance

This original canvas is an authentic studio work from Johannesburg, South Africa, and includes complete provenance records.

Artwork Details:

• Artwork Title: The Third Step (2022)
• Artist: Lucille Fernandes-Stangl
• Year of Creation: 2022
• Medium: Archival Oil on Canvas
• Dimensions: 80 cm wide x 120 cm high
• Framing: Unframed canvas (Stretched on professional studio wood strainers)
• Provenance: Direct from the artist’s studio (Johannesburg, South Africa)
• Shipping: Fully insured, professional global packaging and worldwide delivery
• Certificate of Authenticity: Accompanied by an official, hand-signed Certificate of Authenticity. Preservation follows standard international art conservation guidelines.

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Care & Display Guidelines

To preserve the rich texture and archival qualities of your original oil painting, display indoors away from direct, unfiltered sunlight and extreme moisture. Clean gently using a soft, dry microfiber cloth or camel-hair brush to remove dusting without disturbing the delicate impasto peaks.