Mystical

A mystical painting often attracts more viewers than one that isn't. Making a painting mysterious is easy. In fact it's easier than not.

Some examples of mystical are fog, mist, excessive light such as rays coming from the sun, darks behind a bright foreground hiding with only a faint hint of what's there such as the edge of a forest, spray from water, subjects emerging from the background with parts still fading into the background. Portraits often emerge from a mystical background. There are others, too numerous to think of and list here.

Some subjects are mystical by virtue of their very existence. Boarded up buildings, collapsed roofs, subjects such as common everyday articles being left behind in a decaying environment such as an old house that no longer supports life. These things are mystical in nature and when properly painted can trap the viewer in awe and wonder.

A painting can tell a story, or better still, part of a story. Let the viewer figure out the rest. The artist doesn't know either, but that's our little secret.