Category: Reflections

Thoughts about an Upcoming Miniature Show

Miniature works of art have always been a challenging and satisfying method in which to create works. Partly because of their sense of intimacy, the viewer has to move in close to appreciate the work in its full measure. The scale itself demands it and as you view or scrutinize the marks or marvel in the technique for a moment you disregard any exterior distractions.

I always think of miniatures much like thumbnails that I develop during the planning stage of large works; all the concerns of composition are considered and to a large measure resolved. I also like to think of miniatures as an opportunity to experiment with an idea or visual concept that doesn’t require exhausting large amounts of material. Often many of my miniatures also reflect current concerns/ideas, so the scale really doesn’t determine the content. I believe this important for the viewer and potential consumer. Many people take the opportunity to purchase works at this scale because it is affordable and the desire to have original art is more possible and in my case are reflective of the currents concerns that I am developing in my visual art practice. The show runs from March 1-31, 2017, at the Portside Gallery in Port Stanley Ontario. Opening reception is March 5th from 1-4pm.

                   

The Process of Painting

My approach to creating works of art is almost always methodical.  Although I enjoy some measure of spontaneity most concepts are flushed out during the creative process.  On occasion paintings are created after I have fully realized an idea/composition in graphite form.  Some would argue then why paint the image.  For myself I believe painting is not drawing.  The marks with a pencil are not replicated in the passages of paint and in the act of painting things can change.  Brushstrokes are very much different then ones you create with a pencil.  Painting isn’t drawing!

Choice of colour and scale can change the viewer’s response as well.  This also makes the relationship with me during the execution of a painting very different.  The drawings are tight and the paintings are a bit looser.

Below is a fully render drawing entitled A Sun to Dissipate, beside it is the image so far in its painted form, although very similar there are some differences to my approach and hopefully when it is completed, at the very least it will be as engaging as the drawing.

Drawing - A Sun to Dissipate Painting - A Sun to Dissipate

The figures head seems a bit larger in the painting, but then again it isn’t near finished. I will post the image when it is complete.

Anderson Micro Brewery and Unkle Collective Collaboration

This past weekend my work was on exhibition at Anderson’s Craft Brewery.  The Old East portion of London has been going through an era of revitalization.  Small shops are opening up in places that for a long time were somewhat neglected by many Londoners.  In this area emerged the Anderson’s Micro Brewery.  The support of the local community bodes well for this young venture; a renewed interest in support of local business as well as farmers has grown significantly in the last few years.  Almost all of the artists’ involved in the show are from Southwestern Ontario.  Opening night found a supportive community who took in not only the great beer but some truly unique works of art.  In total there were 8 artists exhibiting and there were positive comments/reactions for the work displayed.  This was my first time showing with Unkle Collective, but certainly won’t be the last.  David Feeney who runs Unkle Collective is a great appreciator of the visual arts community and strives to promote both emerging and established artists.

UC at Andersom Micro Brewery UC at Andersom Micro Brewery UC at Andersom Micro Brewery