Suspended Animation

Occasionally I go out on a limb and try something different – this piece of graffiti-type abstract art is a great example of raw expression and total control. It is complex, involved and utterly compelling when you stand in front of it.

Action, reaction and emotion all rolled into a piece of art that captivates and challenges from all angles

The secret to creating a piece of art that, on the surface, appears random and chaotic is to, ironically, plan well ahead. Careful choice of colour is vital as is the need to separate these out into different consistencies  – often requiring several mixes of the same colour to get the flow rates and viscosities right for what I need to produce.

It is essential to build the base up from layers – one shade and viscosity at a time until you can start adding shapes and colours that will remain visible all the time. This process takes time and patience, a few strokes at a time, stand back, then re-apply.

What I am most pleased about in this piece is the way the colours and shapes relate to each other to form one giant expression. One big expanse of paint all made up of small pieces yet acting like one single entity.

Detailing is phenomenal as is the contrasts in textures of the paints. Hopefully I have added a number of different aspects to this painting that really make it stand out against many abstract pieces you will see.