At present I am painting the natural scenery of NW Ireland and South Bohemia. I always admired classical paintings which faithfully captured a scene, - from the Italian and Dutch masters, to the classical  landscape painters of the 19th century. 

Acrylic paint dries very quickly and therefore is initially much more difficult to work with than oil. However the challenges can become advantages with practice. Acrylic paint is much more resistant to yellowing and cracking than oil and keeps its initial quality. Some of the most celebrated wildlife and landscape artists (Ellingshaw, Bateman, etc) moved to acrylics for this reason.

In the distant past, there were painters, there were clients and there was the public. In the 19th and 20th centuries the art world  became more influenced by experts, dealers, scholars and writers who made a living out of suggesting what was fashionable and what was not. This resulted in the likes of Van Gogh and the impressionists initially being mocked until the same experts later decided that they were suddenly great and profitable! Realism and landscape made way for art that was different or controversial.

In the 21st century the wheel has started to turn full circle. Art which skillfully portrays the beauty of nature, or the character of a face, is once again appreciated and prized. Social media has empowered people to express their own preferences with respect to music, literature and art. 

I really do like some very abstract and modern art, while some does not appeal to me. As with music and literature - it is a matter of personal taste.

   Create how you wish - buy what you like - listen to your own mind. It is all online!

The composition is sketched with notes taken on the light and colours. Reference photos are captured. In the studio the canvas is primed with a toned gesso. The background dark values are sketched in and the painting is built forward in layers. Opaque colour and transparent glazes are selected to highlight focal points and to create the desired light and atmosphere. The technique of layering and glazing was practiced by many masters such as da Vinci and Turner but it started to die out with the fashion of impressionism where paint was applied in thick strokes.

The paintings are highly durable and protected with a quality varnish. However it is always best to keep artwork out of direct sunlight. A good custom frame will compliment the artwork. If these paintings are lit from above by a spot or wall light they will reflect the light back through the glazes creating a realistic glow. An LED bulb of 2,700K to 3,500K will give a pleasant warm light.  4,000K to 5,000K will give a brighter daylight look.