[/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end]The creative process is one in which the artist arrives at the finished product through a process of trial and error. Waiting for inspiration in the belief that his or her particular qualities of mind and vision will automatically manifest themselves into a piece of art is at best naïve and at worst vainglorious.
Like most serious artists, I work hard for any small gain in competence and believe that there are no shortcuts to success – “nothing comes from nothing.”
The exhibition represents a few months work from the figure. Most of the exhibits are drawings; some that have taken a couple of hours to achieve and others that may be perhaps the work of a few minutes. All are the result of sixty years of looking and drawing. In the main, these drawings are preparation for a series of life paintings. Two of the series be seen at the exhibition.[/ezcol_1half_end]
I am by natural inclination a realist. Initially my work is to do with the visual world. It is perceptually motivated. Any conceptual qualities that it might have I leave it to others to point out. It’s not my business.
In my life as a painter/draughtsman, I shift from one subject to the next, finding excitement and interest with each new stimulus. In many ways, because of variations in mood and energy, I would expect my work to reflect those variations quite markedly. However, for better or worse, when I look at my recent work I am aware of a consistency of approach and an unexpected coherence. For some reason this pleases me.
I hope that you enjoy the exhibition.
