Original artwork description:

‘Paros’ is an acrylic painting on 230gms canvas paper 25cms wide x 19.5cms height. It is presented in a cream card window mount with a total size of 30cms x 25cms. The painting is shipped in a card reinforced envelope. The weight of the shipping package is 0.15 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. ‘Paros’ is a small study which I hope will lead to a larger work. It is based on memories of being on the Greek island of the same name. Located in the heart of the Aegean Sea, The Parian traditional villages, particularly Naoussa, Parikia and Lefkes, are perfect samples of Cycladic architecture, with whitewashed sugar houses, paved streets and blue-domed churches. The beaches are famous for the exotic water and the golden sand. And then there is Antiparos, a remote paradise, a short boat journey away . Until I had travelled across the Greek islands I never really understood what ‘light’ and colour were about. I had never experienced such intensity and brilliance. Some people say my paintings are not typical of what you might relate to in the U.K. I live by the sea in the north west of England but the Cyclades in the Aegean sea is somewhere very special and I’m sure my experience and enjoyment of being there continues to inspire me. I am also 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. Painting provides a breathing space for the spirit. It is for the individual and the independent. I have a love for colour. Colour is my passion, joy and torment. I have found I can say things with colour , shapes and surfaces that I couldn't say any other way. 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