This group of paintings is the beginnings of a series of studies of natural energy fields and phenomena. The idea is to do away with the painting as mere depiction and enter new territory where the work embodies the abstract energy of the subject. They are painted on canvases handbuilt and stretched by the artist, also painted on their thick edges, usually three inches in depth. They are not to be framed but rather hung free of such convention, letting them stand as sculptures would, as monuments to forces in nature.

Manuscript One is an homage to Beethoven, himself an inspiring force of nature. He would often compose while walking in the woods. Two levels work together in this painting: the background is a field of energy evocative of the fury of the music over which floats a represenation of the autograph manuscript by Beethoven from the third movement to the piece.

Elephant is an homage to the magnificence of the creature itself but also an ode to Michel Denis-Huot, the amazing naturalist photographer renowned for his work in the savanna. Coupal usually works from original photo sources; this is one rare exception.