Evolving artystic voice – one brushstroke at a time
Evolving artystic voice – one brushstroke at a time
“Friendly Faces”
Capturing the endearing curiosity of cattle, this painting explores the friendly yet unpredictable nature of these creatures. Steering clear of the overdone Highland cow, this celebrates the charm of more modestly horned breeds. With expressive brushstrokes and warm tones, the piece invites the viewer to appreciate the gentle presence of these animals while playfully acknowledging their sometimes less-than-friendly demeanor.
“Majestic Bull”
This painting began as an entirely different concept, but when the initial idea wasn’t working, spontaneous dabs of paint took over. From this intuitive process, the majestic form of an elephant gradually appeared, almost as if revealing itself from the canvas. I simply ‘joined up the dots,’ allowing the creature to take shape organically. With expressive brushstrokes and layered textures, the piece captures the elephant’s quiet power and presence. It’s a celebration of artistic spontaneity, where the subject finds its own voice.
“The Kohaku in Contrast”
Celebrating the elegance of the most popular Japanese koi, this painting captures the striking beauty of the Kohaku with its vibrant red (hi) and pure white (shiro) markings. The bold 50/50 color split across the koi’s body is set against a deep black background, embracing the core Japanese color scheme with striking simplicity. The composition emphasizes fluid movement and serene grace, paying homage to the artist’s long-term passion for keeping carp. With large, expressive brushstrokes, the painting invites contemplation of balance and harmony in nature.
“Feeding Frenzy”
This dynamic painting captures the chaotic energy of koi in a feeding frenzy, swirling and rising in a whirlpool of motion. Using bold, sweeping brushstrokes, this conveys the fluidity and urgency of the scene, bringing the water to life with splashes of colour and light. The overlapping forms of the fish create a sense of depth and movement. It’s a vivid portrayal of nature’s vitality, capturing a moment of harmonious chaos.
“Fish Rising”
This vibrant painting captures the playful curiosity of koi as they rise to the water’s surface in search of food. Set in the clear waters of my pond, the composition celebrates the close bond between keeper and fish. Bold, fluid brushstrokes convey the graceful movement of the koi, their colorful bodies shimmering just beneath the surface. The large canvas format enhances the immersive experience, inviting viewers to peer into the tranquil world below. It’s a joyful tribute to the beauty of everyday encounters with nature.
“His Majesty”
This powerful lion portrait captures the regal presence of the wild without slipping into caricature or cliché. Striving for authenticity, I try to balances realism with expressive interpretation, avoiding the polished, animated style often associated with pop culture portrayals. Using a large brush to craft bold, textured strokes, the painting conveys the natural flow of the lion’s fur, giving it a raw, tactile quality. The intense gaze and dignified posture evoke a sense of respect for this majestic creature, highlighting its wild beauty with depth and character.
“The End Result”
This playful yet poignant painting captures a zebra and her foal strolling away, presenting a ‘charming’ view from behind. The composition humorously embraces the moment they decided to walk away, turning an ordinary scene into a memorable narrative. Initially sketched in charcoal and underpainted with acrylics, the piece was completed with rich layers of oil to enhance the depth and texture of the foreground. The contrasting stripes and delicate balance of light and shadow bring life to the duo, celebrating the simplicity and beauty of nature’s quiet departures.