Original artwork description:

‘Daphnis and Chloe’ 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. ‘Daphnis and Chloe’ 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. ‘Daphnis and Chloe’ is a story set on the island during the 2nd century AD, where and when scholars assume the author, Longus to have lived. Its style is rhetorical and pastoral. Its shepherds and shepherdesses are wholly conventional, but the author imparts human interest to this idealised world. Daphnis and Chloe resembles a modern novel. It is a story of young love beginning with the main characters being ‘exposed by birth’ and therefore condemned. The story was famously illustrated by Marc Chagall. The painting is made in respect of the literature and ancient history of this island famed by writers and poets. 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