‘LOOKING FOR GEORGIA’ PROJECT

Red Hills with Mesa 2018 110×130 cm mixed media on canvas

mixed media with silver leaf on canvas 110x134cm 2018

In September 2017 I travelled to Northern New Mexico to see for myself the places painted by the legendary Georgia O’Keeffe. I wanted to gain a better insight into the nature of her achievement as one of the most celebrated American painters of the 20th century. The art historian in me wanted to deepen my understanding of her work. The artist in me needed to challenge my own landscape painting practice. I was curious to find out how two artists working in different times, with different methods and techniques could do justice to that landscape. Georgia, who called it her ‘backyard’ painted it it situ, but on a small scale and in traditional oil on canvas. Can an artist, who has only a brief acquaintance with the region, working in London, but equipped with a set of experimental techniques, reflect the grandeur and local spirit of the land?

The journey and its revelations were beyond my wildest expectations. 

I’m creating a series of paintings in response to what I had seen, using my own unique mixed media technique with which I hope to capture the texture and spirit of the desert. It is a period of experimentation and innovation, searching for new methods best suited to portray this most challenging of landscapes. It will culminate with a major solo show at London’s prestigious Mall Galleries scheduled from 24 February to 2 March 2019.

NEW PRINTS AVAILABLE FOR SALE

Limited edition signed prints ( A4 size) based on a selection of mixed media studies of New Mexico landscapes often painted by Georgia O’Keeffe

1. Landscape with Moon, Ghost Ranch

2. Red Rocks, Ghost Ranch, New Mexico

3. Kitchen Mesa, Ghost Ranch, New Mexico

4. Red Hills, Ghost Ranch, New Mexico

5. Road to Mesa Pedernal, New Mexico

6. Red Hill with Pedernal

7. Mesa with Cloud

8.Rio Chama, New Mexico