Original artwork description:

‘Castle’ is an acrylic painting on 300gms canvas paper 20cms wide x 15cms height. It is presented in a cream card window mount with a total size of 25.5 cms x 20cms. It is signed and dated on the front of the mount card. The painting is shipped in an A4 card reinforced envelope. The weight of the shipping package is 0.10 Kgs.. The painting is signed on the card mount. This small painting has been made as part of series of works based on memories of places I have visited and/or stayed in over many years. The paintings in this series have been made to record the atmosphere, light and colour of locations in which I have travelled across Italy, Catalonia and the Greek Islands. The paintings in this series try to capture the sense of place through expressive use of colour, light, shadow and texture. ‘Castle’ is based on memories of being on the Greek island of Lesvos, perhaps my favourite Greek island. Memories of Lesvos are about the people and in particular the community of Molyvos. Lesvos is a beautiful island, perhaps known more now as the stepping stone to freedom for so many Syrian families. The Castle of Mithymna sits above the town and is one of the most impressive fortresses in Greece. It was built by the Byzantines but contains stones of an earlier castle which had been besieged by Achilles himself during the Trojan War. The Illiad takes place just a few miles away, across the straits that separate the island of Lesvos from ancient Troy. The castle and it's siege by Achilles is supposedly mentioned in both the Illiad and the Odyssey. The castle is central to the history of Lesvos. Centuries have past but the main body of the castle has not changed since the 15th century. The painting relates to the ancient history and mythology of Lesvos. The patterns and colours in the landscape as viewed from the castle help to map out the composition of the work. Lesvos is an island where I have always felt very comfortable and at home with the people. I know we’ll return soon. We miss it too much. The climate, the glorious light, the sea …the pace of life. Whenever I’m there I have time to dream think and plan. I am continually inspired by modern and contemporary artists who demonstrate such a love for colour and light. The Impressionists, John Hoyland, Barbara Rae , the Fauvists and the COBRA group continue to be so important to me. The boundaries of what can be managed in a painting present a constant challenge to me and through a process of layering, cancellation and improvisation my intention is always to test such boundaries.

Materials used:

Acrylic paint on canvas paper