top of page

Macrocosm

I was interested in putting together all of the 3D-splatter and paint-pouring techniques that I have developed since I began experimenting with abstract painting in 2019. The result is a many-layered piece that is highly reactive under different lighting conditions. For example, strong light shining at the painting from an angle will reveal the deep textures created by the thickened paint mixtures, maximising contrast between built-up areas and pockets of shadow. The images below were taken in bright sunlight and illustrate this effect.

While normally I would restrict the colour palette to some extent, for this piece I decided to use 'all of the colours' in the interests of creating maximum colour variation. In addition to the textural variations, this creates a rich abstract landscape that can be appreciated from a distance as well as close-up.

Canvas size is 100x150cm.

Black

white

For this diptych, titled Black & White, I wanted to experiment with texture without the distraction of using colour. My aim was to create the widest possible range of textural variations using the available tools and materials, plus all of the processes and techniques I have developed. As well as the various mixtures of baby powder, PVA glue, wall filler and acrylic paint, I have used a variety of mixed media, including small stones, glitter and beads. This has given rise to an interesting and varied abstract landscape that is highly reactive to light.

Both canvasses are 100x150cm.

Colour Series

Pink, Green, Orange, Blue

Following on from 'Black & White', I was interested in creating a series of paintings each focussing on a single colour. In so doing, I would utilise all of the styles of mark-making and thickened paint mixtures that I have developed, along with a wide variety of mixed media including glitter, stones, and plastic, to build up rich textures that would react strongly with light.

As some of the close-up images below demonstrate, many of the materials have been chosen for their light-reactivity. The stones and glitter, in particular, will catch the light in unpredictable ways, working with the shadows thrown by the 3D splatter-effects to create dynamic 'abstract landscapes' that change markedly depending on the lighting conditions.

Sometimes new methods are made possible by new tools, and for me, the most important new tool in my cupboard is a battery-powered bubble gun. This enables me to fire paint bubbles at the canvas, opening up new possibilities for mark-making. Seen close-up, the bubble-marks resemble impact craters - adding to the 'landscape' effect that I am increasingly interested in, which makes me think of the surfaces of alien planets and moons.

All canvasses are 100x120cm.