Evolving artystic voice – one brushstroke at a time
Evolving artystic voice – one brushstroke at a time
“Chiaroscuro”
Painted in 2005, this piece began as a realistic sketch but gradually evolved into an exaggerated study. The lighting is intentionally off, creating an unsettling atmosphere, while the skin tones have developed a cement-like texture, adding to the surreal quality. The use of blue infuses the entire piece with a cold, distant feeling, yet there’s a stark contrast with a flash of moonlight pouring through a distant window. This touch of light disrupts the chill, offering a glimpse of warmth in an otherwise stark, almost haunting scene. Executed in acrylic, the piece captures a tension between realism and abstraction, creating a sense of isolation that’s both stark and evocative.
“Racing Up a Storm”
I painted this scene many years ago, but unfortunately, I lost the original—likely overpainted in an attempt to refine it! Thankfully, I had saved a photo reference, which allowed me to recreate it. This version is smaller and more focused, with the composition becoming tighter. The gap between the figures creates a sense of anticipation, as the leader strides to the front of the group. There’s a subtle shift in energy here, where the moment of movement feels more pronounced, and the leader’s positioning takes on a greater sense of purpose. It’s a reimagining, but one that still carries the essence of the original inspiration.
“A Big Nod”
This playful self-portrait is a lighthearted tribute to the style of Johannes Vermeer, though with none of the subtlety of the Dutch master. Inspired by my daughter, Kate, the piece features garments reminiscent of those worn in Vermeer’s early works, offering a whimsical take on historical fashion. The face, painted boldly and without the delicate nuances of Vermeer’s work, comes across as somewhat stiff and melancholic, adding a layer of humor to the piece. While far from a comparison to Girl with a Pearl Earring, this work marks a significant step in the journey toward mastering portraiture, but nothing to evolving my style!
“From Olive Groves to Highland Hills”
Originally inspired by a quaint farm nestled among Italian olive groves, this painting was later transformed into a rugged Scottish hillside scene through bold palette knife strokes. The textured layers of oil paint create a dynamic landscape where colour and form blur, allowing the viewer’s imagination to complete the details. The farmhouse, crafted with expressive strokes, emerges subtly amidst the sweeping hills, inviting a closer look to appreciate the abstract beauty. This piece celebrates the freedom of artistic reinterpretation and the viewer’s role in bringing the scene to life.
“Horse with No Name”
This piece began as a simple charcoal sketch, intended to evolve further—but I realized that further refinement might dilute the raw energy and spontaneity captured in that initial moment. Instead, the work was embraced as it was. A robust acrylic base supports generous applications of white oil paint, which create a striking, directional light streaming in from the left. The subdued palette of greys and hints of yellow enhances the composition, adding depth and atmosphere while preserving the piece’s dynamic, unrefined character as the horses splash through the surf.
“Bizarre Bazaar”
A seemingly mundane pile of slippers found in a Moroccan bazaar becomes a canvas for near-abstract expression. While the subject might appear unremarkable at first glance, I wanted to transform it into a dynamic composition that hints at the textures and colours of an abstract beach scene—or perhaps it’s just a pile of slippers seen through a creative lens. The bold, expressive application of acrylic paints invites viewers to look beyond the literal and explore the beauty hidden in everyday objects, blurring the lines between reality and abstraction.
“Evening on the South Bank”
This loose, expressive painting captures the tranquil ambiance of an evening on London’s South Bank, looking towards the iconic silhouette of St Paul’s Cathedral. Soft, blended hues convey the fading light, while bold, fluid brushstrokes evoke the gentle movement of the Thames. The scene balances impressionistic abstraction with just enough detail to transport the viewer to that moment of quiet reflection by the water’s edge.
“Crossing Broadway”
This painting delivers a noisy, impressionistic view of a bustling daytime junction between Broadway and West 45th Street. Using a muted colour palette to capture the city’s urban grit, the canvas is filled with dynamic movement and a parade of yellow cabs that punctuate the scene. The deliberate contrast between the subdued background and the vibrant taxis invites the viewer into the chaotic rhythm of New York City—a place where crossing the street becomes an adventurous endeavor. Painted in the mid-2000s during frequent visits to the city, the work encapsulates both the energy and the inherent peril of urban life.
“Sorrowful Bloom”
In this abstract reinterpretation, a delicate, cheerful spring flower is transformed into a symbol of toughness and sorrow. Bold, exaggerated lines define the petals and the backdrop of leaves, creating a strong, emotive mood. Heavy dark tones and a simplified form strip the subject to its emotional essence, challenging the viewer to see beyond its traditional beauty. The piece captures a striking paradox—a resilient bloom that carries the weight of melancholy, inviting introspection into the dual nature of strength and vulnerability.
“Don’t Need a Mac”
This painting captures the essence of The Wells, a favorite walking spot in Hampshire, which holds a special place in both family memories and musical history. In early 1973, Fleetwood Mac recorded Penguin nearby, and a memorable photo for the album was taken at this very location. The scene reflects the tranquil beauty of the area, often visited with dogs and grandchildren. The vibrant colours and bold brushstrokes and exaggerated tones evoke the warmth and fondness we feel for this spot, blending personal connection with the nostalgia of a rock ‘n’ roll moment.
“Reflections in The Pond”
This commission piece captures a beloved walking spot at Waggoner’s Wells in Hampshire, where sunlight gently filters through the trees, creating a stunning pool of reflection on the water below. The interplay of light and shadow brings the scene to life, with the depth of the reflection inviting viewers to pause and take in the serene beauty of nature. The large canvas allows for a rich, detailed exploration of the landscape, while the use of oil paints gives the scene a soft, almost dreamlike quality, capturing the stillness and tranquility of this peaceful setting.
“Ravines”
An abstracted impression of a landscape and ravine. This was inspired by a photo from a magazine and my wife’s request to coordinate the art with the colour of a particular room. Not what I normally do – but who am I to say ‘no’? This turned out to be an enjoyable exercise allowing for an initial layer of thinly applied acrylic – and then loaded with oil paints and a pallette knife. The paint creates contours and shadows.
This will inspire me to be more creative and look for the structures beneath the visible surface.