Evolving artystic voice – one brushstroke at a time
Evolving artystic voice – one brushstroke at a time
“Sunlit Shores”
Inspired by a tiny photo gifted by my daughter, this acrylic painting transports viewers to a warm, sun-drenched landscape—possibly Cape Town, South Africa, marked by the striking presence of upright Torch Aloes. The scene is a delicate dance of light and shadow, where the brilliance of sunlit water contrasts with the dense, shaded undergrowth in the foreground.
This piece reflects my evolving journey with colour, particularly my transition from using stark whites to favoring vibrant yellows. By choosing yellow to illuminate the sky and water, I’ve aimed to capture a higher resonance and a more luminous sense of space, infusing the canvas with warmth and vitality.
“Andrew Reimagined in Montana – Chasing the Yellowstone Dream”
This piece breathes new life into an old, large canvas by stripping away previous layers to reveal a worn, textured surface that adds character to the final composition. It reimagines Andrew amidst the vast, untamed landscapes of Cowboy Country—Montana or Wyoming—chasing the wild spirit of Yellowstone. Distant mountains and a galloping horse set the scene, while Andrew stands as the undeniable focal point, embodying the dream of adventure. This bold work marries the past with the present, capturing wide horizons and rugged beauty through dynamic oil paint brushstrokes and a raw, expressive palette.
“Backstreet Views”
This evocative painting captures the quiet intrigue of New York’s backstreets, where towering buildings loom over narrow pathways. Through bold brushstrokes and layered urban textures, the piece explores the paradox of city life—countless lives stacked above each other, connected by laddered pathways but rarely intersecting beyond the lobby. The subdued colour palette is brought to life by the reflection of blue skies in the large windows, yet evokes a sense of solitude amidst the bustling metropolis, inviting viewers to ponder the hidden narratives woven into the city’s fabric. It’s a contemplative tribute to urban anonymity and human connection.
“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.
“Tadeusz Kościuszko in Kraków”
This quick oil study is a heartfelt re-imagination of Tadeusz Kościuszko as seen in his stately monument at Wawel Castle in Kraków. Capturing the engineer and statesman (heralded in the USA as well as his country of birth), the palette, reminiscent of the patina of the original statue, lends the piece both gravitas and a touch of nostalgia. While the study is little more than a quick ‘sketch’ in oils, it is imbued with the rich legacy of my early life and the enduring spirit of Kościuszko himself..
Prompted by my son’s reminder of a large version I painted over fifty years ago—a work long lost—this reduced-scale study became a journey back to those early artistic days. Drawing on numerous photographs from my visits to Kraków, I revisited not only the subject but also the emotions and memories attached to that ‘monumental’ encounter.
“End of an Era – London Phone Booths”
This painting captures the nostalgic charm of London’s iconic red phone booths, standing proudly yet quietly on the city streets. As they transition from functional communication hubs to coveted home décor pieces, their absence becomes a poignant reminder of changing times. Rendered in bold acrylic strokes, the vibrant red contrasts against the urban backdrop, emphasizing their once-familiar presence. This piece reflects on the evolution of everyday objects and the cultural void left behind as they disappear from public spaces.
“Not Mad – More Ad”
This dynamic diptych captures the bold, sprawling ad slogans that once dominated the skyline along NYC’s High Line in the mid-2000s. Set against the backdrop of familiar brownstones, the vibrant acrylic strokes juxtapose the timeless architecture with the transient, flashy world of commercial messaging. The playful title hints at the ambiguity of the slogans, inviting viewers to reflect on the influence of advertising in urban landscapes. This piece is a nostalgic nod to a rapidly changing cityscape, where art, commerce, and culture collide.
“Mousehole”
This piece reflects a return to the artistic inspiration found in Cornwall during my childhood. Having spent many summers in places like Marazion, Penzance, and Mousehole, the early exposure to the vibrant creative community of painters, sculptors, and potters left a lasting impression. Decades later, after being steered away from art as a career, I have returned to painting, reconnecting with the joy and freedom of artistic expression. This work is a celebration of that rediscovery, full of nostalgia and renewed passion. And boats!
“City Crossings”
This acrylic painting captures a bustling street corner, a place forever etched in memory near where my eldest daughter once called home in the early to mid-2000s. A vibrant, dynamic scene unfolds, reflecting the ceaseless rhythm of urban life—a crossing where solitude was rare, save for the quiet hours of 4 a.m.
It’s a snapshot of time and place, infused with personal history and the pulse of city living.
“Portofino in Colour”
Inspired by the vibrant allure of Portofino, this 3ft by 3ft oil painting seeks to capture the electrifying palette of a place that has fascinated countless artists yet continues to enchant anew. Bold, saturated hues dance across the canvas, celebrating the sun-drenched facades and shimmering waterfront that define this iconic Italian harbour.
“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.
“Rainy Rush in Times Square”
This 4ft square acrylic painting captures the electrifying chaos of Times Square on a rainy evening in 2006. Amidst the relentless traffic, neon advertising blazes through the damp haze, reflecting vividly off the slick street and traffic below. People rush by the traffic, hunched against the downpour, each figure a fleeting moment in the city’s ceaseless flow.
Through bold brushstrokes and dynamic composition, the painting encapsulates the noise, energy, and pulse of New York’s most iconic crossroads. It’s a vivid snapshot of urban life—a tribute to the hustle and bustle that never sleeps.
“Take Me To The Lane”
Painted during a visit back to the UK, this piece captures the bustling energy of London streets through the eyes of a traveler fresh from NYC. The composition replaces the iconic yellow cab of New York with the quintessential black taxi synonimous with London, symbolizing the journey between two vibrant cities. Amidst the traffic, a red double-decker bus subtly celebrates Tottenham Hotspur’s historic 9-1 victory over Wigan on November 22nd, 2009—a nod to a memorable day in football history. Bold brushstrokes and dynamic movement bring the urban scene to life, reflecting the artist’s transatlantic experiences and lifelong football passion.
“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.