I use books in my paintings to project ideas, rather than the actual plot or storyline of the book. These books, all antique and vintage finds, are sometimes subtle and sometimes blunt. Whatever the case is, it’s the theme I’m most interested in.
See a portfolio of 160+ other book paintings.
I like the balance of five – I’ve recently painted other sets of five clocks. I like the sense of rhythm they give.
This painting is part of Arden Gallery‘s group still life exhibition which runs from February 2 – 27, 2016. Read more
These two paintings are part of a group exhibition of still life paintings at the Arden Gallery in Boston, Massachusetts. The exhibition runs from February 2 – 27, 2016.
For several years the Arden Gallery has asked me to show work with them, so it feels good to finally be able to participate in an exhibition.
I found these vintage film projectors at Everything Old Canada and thought that side by side they had a bold and interesting shape and design. I like the repetition and variation of the four circular reels.
The George Billis Gallery LA will be showing this painting in Miami, Florida at the Red Dot Fair from December 2 – 6, 2015.
This painting is six feet high by four feet wide – the largest painting I’ve done to date.
The chair once belonged to my mother-in-laws grandfather, and she was kind enough to gift it to me. It was the perfect chair for this commission.
Photo credit goes to Michelle Satterlee from the Elliott Fouts Gallery in Sacramento. And thanks to Gallery Dog Maggie for her outstanding modelling skills. Read more
Browsing through a second hand book shop, I came across this heavy duty science book – The Story of Our Planet. I thought it made the perfect subject, especially juxtaposed with the vintage microscope hidden inside its box.
This painting is available through the Elliott Fouts Gallery in Sacramento, California. Read more
I haven’t painted or drawn figuratively since my student days. I took to painting objects and still life and rolled with it for many years.
Perhaps one day I’ll return to painting people, but for now chairs are as close as I get.
Chairs suggest a figure. Their design suggest a purpose, a form, femininity or masculinity. They have a definite silhouette which is important in my paintings. They give a sense of space, an interior. You can imagine a person, perhaps even yourself, in the space of the chair.
When I first started painting typewriters, they were very loose and expressive. They were more about the idea of the typewriter and I had not quite figured out exactly what my painting style or technical approach should be.
It was intimidating, to say the least. These old typewriters are full of details and precision. But I think I have found the balance I’m looking for in my painting. I approach them like architecture. The keys are like grand steps leading to a sturdy building flanked by columns.
I think the square within a square composition is effective. I’m happy with the way this painting turned out.
You can see 30 typewriter paintings from the past decade here.
I like to find obscure books with titles that suggest the subject beyond just a couple of books. Sometimes the suggestion is obvious, sometimes not. I prefer when it’s not as it means the painting can mean any number of things to any viewer. To me they’re akin to haiku poetry – the paintings are to suggest mood and ideas.
I have been painting books for close to a decade. You can see 155+ of those paintings here.
This painting of a Western Electric Co. Rotary Telephone has a bold and easily recognisable silhouette. Read more