Oil painting done from studies at home and abroad.
As an
artist interested in figurative work, I am always looking for contemporary
subjects in situations, which reflect today’s way of life. I believe that
holidaymakers represent a new field in art.
One of the great changes of modern times has been the growth and importance of the foreign holiday. With the Mediterranean countries providing perfect hot, sunny weather and the reasonable prices of package tours, many more Britons are taking their seasonal two-week holiday away from the unpredictable weather of this country.
This has created a wonderful opportunity to observe people at their leisure. Under the intense, bright light, colour sometimes becomes muted and I find trying to capture this effect on canvas quite a challenge. As a contrast, the gaudy swimwear and beach paraphernalia creates instant bold images. Coupled with these are the people themselves. The overcrowded beaches and the position people relax in, figures constantly changing position look distorted as they seek an all over tan. Relaxing around the pool or sea areas provides much to observe and capture. The water itself can change quickly and trying to represent this in unusual and different ways has been one of my main aims. These scenes have been a delightful and exciting source of material from which I have sketched and painted.
The British on holiday provide a worthy subject matter for the modern artist of today. For somebody with an interest in the human figure, where else can it be seen in such a variety of poses.
One of the great changes of modern times has been the growth and importance of the foreign holiday. With the Mediterranean countries providing perfect hot, sunny weather and the reasonable prices of package tours, many more Britons are taking their seasonal two-week holiday away from the unpredictable weather of this country.
This has created a wonderful opportunity to observe people at their leisure. Under the intense, bright light, colour sometimes becomes muted and I find trying to capture this effect on canvas quite a challenge. As a contrast, the gaudy swimwear and beach paraphernalia creates instant bold images. Coupled with these are the people themselves. The overcrowded beaches and the position people relax in, figures constantly changing position look distorted as they seek an all over tan. Relaxing around the pool or sea areas provides much to observe and capture. The water itself can change quickly and trying to represent this in unusual and different ways has been one of my main aims. These scenes have been a delightful and exciting source of material from which I have sketched and painted.
The British on holiday provide a worthy subject matter for the modern artist of today. For somebody with an interest in the human figure, where else can it be seen in such a variety of poses.
