My framescapes have become a distinctive series of paintings known and loved for the intimate space created by the painting's integral frame which is as key a part of the artwork as well as being functional.
'Heat of the Day' - the first Framescape
Conceived out of a necessity to produce a small piece of original artwork for sale within a target price, the first Framescape was born in the summer of 2018. Evolving from a discarded and reused glazed picture frame in my studio which I smothered with a water-based ground for overpainting.
Exhibited in Lewes at the Chalk Gallery , although it did not sell during its first showing, 'Heat of the day', my Sussex landscape painted in a carefree style with loose brushwork and ink splatters in some of my favourite colours, proved to be very popular and it was this feedback together with a strong desire to create something different that encouraged me to develop it further and to paint more.
Since then the Framescape has had slight refinements to its proportions, dimensions and mounts but essentially the beauty of these paintings is that they are a very handleable size, make lovely gifts, and can be easily placed because they fit into all kinds of spaces. Being painted over 3 sides, they have a 3-dimensional quality to them, despite foremost being a painting. Their chunky frame encasing a central panel which draws the attention inwards, onto a distant horizon or along a little path before it wanders off over the front of the frame and then over the painted sides.
Since the first Framescape the series has given me a way to paint the subjects that inspire me in a brand new way as I continue to develop as an artist.
Below are some of my personal favourites that I particularly enjoyed:
'Afternoon Rockpooling' brings back memories of rockpooling on the beaches east of Brighton, at Rottingdean and Saltdean where I have spent time at tide-out as a child and with my children.
'A breezy day at the beach' is a favourite because of its a reminder of windy walks that blow away the cobwebs and watching the seagulls riding the breeze overhead.
'Walking the South Downs Way' calls to mind, carefree summer days walking along the top of the South Downs following the chalk path hill after hill.
More of these paintings can be found on my website in the Framescape collection or in my online shop.
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