3 (Gnomes)

In this painting I have again used Poortvliet's Gnome image but am trying to bring out more formal, abstract qualities of the image through the colours I have employed.

I have used three colours Blue, Quinacridone Violet and White but combined them into four different mixtures.

To my eye the central figure seems closer even though it appears to be on the same plane as the figures on either side. The convention in colour theory is that warm colours advance and cool colours recede and the light part of the left and right figures are closer in hue to the background.

If you look at the painting for more than a few seconds the background around the edges becomes brighter and takes on an aqua blue/green hue. This has to do with how our eyes and brains process what we see. If we look at something for long enough we start to see things that aren't actually there !

As an image the glaringly obvious thing about this painting is that the gnomes are staring back at you. Their gaze is unflinching and the motive of their scrutiny is inscrutable.

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I am fascinated by discovering how images and paintings are actually made, particularly the traditional craft of oil painting but
I also like experimenting with different ways of making paintings which includes using digital technology and trying out alternative media.

My artwork often blends usually discrete subjects, idioms and genres and I am often drawn to subjects which had a powerful impact on my imagination when I was a kid.

I often employ "found" or rediscovered imagery and try to re-contextualise it. The goal is to make images that are conduits to an experience of resonance for the viewer.
I use professional quality paints, surfaces, mediums and varnishes to ensure the works are permanent and stable.

Bachelor of Fine Art (Painting) RMIT University