luminaries

I simply enjoyed the idea of this word, the spark that set it forth. Luminaries. The feel that I sometimes have toward the figures I paint, luminous moving abstract figures. It provokes scenes of otherworldly landscapes filled with glowing, colourful creatures.

flurry - 1.2m x1.2m, oil on linen

amidst - 2m x 2m, oil on linen

Time seems to run away but here I am again in a new year. I had the great pleasure of painting a large piece for a friend of mine recently. A move lately to a more abstract image has produced some interesting results in that the degree of attention within certain areas has increased. This adds a greater softness and mystery in the figures which take on a more disguised and hidden nature and yet their presence is given away by the light which surrounds them.
The challenge of capturing ‘vital’ images seems to increase every time I try. The ‘random’ beauty of how creation displays its subjects is a ever present source of inspiration.

View better image at ‘abstract figure’

amidst - 2m x 2m, oil on linen

subtlety

With the weather being as it is in Cape Town over the past wintery months I have loved the sight of the many cloudy skies.
Gorgeous forms as they are, floating soft surfaces of shape and form like mysterious landscapes of another world, full of mood and emotion.
I have noticed a similarity between my enjoyment of subtlety and these creatures of the sky. My recent piece shows this subtlety and similarity.

  • clouds over Kommetjie hills
    clouds over Kommetjie hills

afternoon shimmer - 90cm x 90cm, oil on linen

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colours pleasure

It’s been another month of exploring colour and it continues to be a subject of great interest in my work. The colour relations and melodies are very pleasant worlds to discover.

Painters through the centuries have commented on their feelings and responses to the vast and mysterious subject of colour. Pablo Picasso’s quote caught my attention.” Why do two colours, put one next to the other, sing? Can one really explain this? No.”

I have also been thrilled and amazed recently at how the internet is such an incredible tool in which to showcase ones work and have it seen and enjoyed around the world, 15 years ago this would have been impossible. Some of my discoverers have had amazing insight into what it is I am doing and wanting to express with my work. Caroline Wong from Singapore had the following to say - ‘I found your work on a blog I follow and I am finding it difficult to stop staring at your paintings. The works are truly amazing and I am very taken by your art. I particularly enjoy the series, the sea and the city, as they speak to me of the human condition of looking without really seeing’.

  • slipping by on 34th street, oil on linen, 90cm x 90cm
    slipping by on 34th street, oil on linen, 90cm x 90cm

the pleasure of linen

Welcome to my first of many posts. I hope to give a little more of a picture into what it is I do and use as an artist. I also want to share my thoughts about other artists who I admire.

I recently started using Belgium linen and have discovered its fine qualities. The application of the paint allows for sweeter movement, as seen in the image.

detail of fathers back on a beach
detail of fathers back on a beach

Keep reading →

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