Polychrome Gnome 2 (Quinacridone Violet, Deep Yellow and Blue)

The image of the Gnome is derived from the cover illustration of "Gnomes" illustrated by Rien Poortvliet & published in English in 1977.

Poortvliet's illustration was painted in a traditional, highly naturalistic watercolour technique which made the Gnome seem somehow just as real as the other European woodland creatures &plants that were depicted in the book.

By converting the image to a 2 colour Screenprint / Stencil I am attempting to give the gnome "Street Cred" in a kind of humorous, playful spin on Street Art Stencils and Paste Ups.

The Re-Contextualized rustic and folkloric garden gnome has become "edgy" and "streetwise". The garden-loving, suburban gnome has taken a walk on the wild side!

By using two slightly jarring and synthetic colours for the gnome I am trying reinforce the urban, street flavour of the painting.

Follow

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