Hedgerow No.1 (Work in progress)
Last night I set about quickly adding an horizon and a blue sky to the first of the Hedgerow paintings. Reviewing the result this morning, I realised how much my love of Graham Sutherland was becoming evident in this painting. There was no conscious decision to make that happen, but I can see it's there, I have no problem with it and in fact I was quite pleased when the influence was immediately commented upon at today's meeting of the Painters' Group.
The meeting was interesting in that I felt my work wasn't universally liked but that reinforced a renewed determination to plough my own furrow. I generally do that anyway, but in the last few years I think I may have drifted into market-driven thought patterns for understandable but unhelpful reasons.
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6 comments:
Thank you for the intro to Sutherland.
I am fascinated (this is just me) by the idea of the close-up to the hedge. Of course, you may take it many places, and that is fascinating, too.
Your fan,
Casey.
Thanks, Casey. It's sad to think that Sutherland needs introduction, but I accept that he does. In his day he was one of Britain's best known artists but today his star has been eclipsed by that of his contemporary, Francis Bacon. I suppose Bacon's nihilism chimes more with today's audiences than the life-affirming work of Sutherland.
Harry,
Remins me of the trip to the Cleddau Estuary and Picton Castle back when. Was there again this summer and walked out on a long way on the estuary and saw again these incredible black wood tree roots that inspired Sutherland.
Kev
Lucky man! I'd love to go back there and renew my association with Sutherland's inspirational landscape.
Hi Harry, yep, you can see the influence of Graham Sutherland here. These paintings are strong, energetic, even angry in a way. I like the "no compromise" feel of them. They are not psychological but neither are they simple. There's a real depth. I would have tried to get to the Biscuit Factory show but will be overseas on a work commitment.
A succinct and perceptive review. Thanks, Sheila. I'm sorry you won't be able to get to the Biscuit Factory - I'd have enjoyed the possibilty of meeting you.
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