Fine Art Prev ew ORIGINAL ARTWORK. Invest in

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1 Fine Art Prev ew Collectable Artwork for a Contemporary Lifestyle Invest in ORIGINAL ARTWORK Our prices range from affordable gift ideas right through to key pieces for the discerning collector, so join us in the gallery and indulge yourself in our ever changing portfolio.

2 c o n t e n t s Welcome to the spring edition of Fine Art Preview Panini, Pretzels, Pernod & Paint Henderson Cisz Forward Motion Duncan MacGregor Facing the Music Anna Razumovskaya which offers an outstanding array of artwork from the finest artists in their fields. This season s many highlights include the largest and most wide ranging collection ever from Henderson Cisz, the premier iconic collection from Craig Alan, and some exciting new departures from Dylan Izaak, Hayley Goodhead and John Waterhouse. Call in to the gallery soon to enjoy this spectacular celebration of contemporary fine art, or log on to the web site to find out more Something Blue Hayley Goodhead The View from Here Craig Alan Mists of Time Gary Benfield Flamenco Carl Payne Sherree Valentine Daines Original Artwork COMING SOON New Commerative Collection April 2015 Front cover Criag Alan Blonde The Akiyama Code Danielle O Connor Akiyama Walking Tall Dylan Izaak Tone Poems John Waterhouse Getting to know Mark Spain This Year s Love Doug Hyde 02 03

3 Afternoon In Venice Embellished Canvas on Board Edition of 195, Size 36 x 18, FRAMED 625 Panini, Pretzels, Pernod & Paint henderson cisz The landmark new collection from Henderson Cisz encompasses nine of the world s most iconic destinations and includes his first ever published pieces featuring Sydney and Rome. Exploring everything from the faded splendour of Venice to the bright lights of Vegas and beyond, these 15 superb images and collector s hardback book represent the most diverse and exciting release of his career to date. Here he offers us an insight into city lives

4 Venice is like a jewel; it is every artist s dream to stand on the Rialto Bridge overlooking the most famous waterway in the world. One particular aspect of Venice that I love is that alongside such architectural marvels as St Mark s or the Doge s Palace, there is that other side to the city; the faded splendour of damaged facades and shabby palazzi that are somehow even more beautiful than the famous highlights. And when I get tired of roaming the cobbled passage ways with my easel, there is always a dry martini waiting in Harry s Bar buildings, Bernini sculpture, an inconspicuous church casually revealing a couple of breathtaking Caravaggios inspiration on every corner. Walk for five minutes in any direction and there will be something to paint that the whole world will recognise the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and perhaps most striking of all, St Peter s. St Peter s, Rome Embellished Canvas on Board Edition of 195, Size 36 x 18, FRAMED 625 Rome is an inspiration, a wondrous celebration of artistic achievement through the ages. The Eternal City is almost overwhelming for an artist as everywhere you look there is so much beauty; ancient 06 07

5 Times Square in Bloom Embellished Box Canvas Edition of 195, Size 45 x 22, FRAMED 950 Vegas Lights Embellished Canvas on Board Edition of 195, Size 32 x 20, FRAMED 625 Midtown View Embellished Box Canvas Edition of 195, Size 45 x 22, FRAMED 950 noise, the cultural diversity, and of course on every corner there is a building that is as familiar to you as your own house. Manhattan is a place of elements that have become global brands that we all recognise; taxis, storefronts, street signs, and I like to acknowledge these in my paintings as they are so much a part of the city. There is so much to celebrate in New York, including the most recognisable skyline on the planet and it has become one of my favourite subjects. It is almost more an event than a city the crowded sidewalks, the constant Las Vegas on the other hand is one on its own - unique and therefore, fascinating. It may not be Paris, but Vegas certainly has character, and I loved the challenge of capturing something of this high octane atmosphere

6 Flower Stall, Manhattan Flower Stall, London Market Street, San Francisco Embellished Canvas on Board Edition of 195, Size 32 x 15, FRAMED 550 San Francisco was full of surprises. I didn t expect any of it to be flat for instance, but I was wrong! It is an interesting place for many reasons - famously small, only seven miles by seven miles, which means you can actually see a large number of the most exciting and interesting buildings and areas on a well planned walk. My first day in the city was fantastic as I got a real sense of the place - steep hills, quaint neighbourhoods, cable cars offering spectacular views and of course, the restaurants that have earned it the reputation of the culinary capital of the United States - before I even began to think about painting! Painting in Sydney is dramatically different from anywhere else; although some of the American cities I visit are also modern, they don t feel young in the way that Sydney does. I discovered recently that the Opera House is only 40 years old, yet in that time it s become an iconic building recognised all over the world, and painting it on the harbour was truly exhilarating. Sydney has a uniquely youthful vibrancy that shows in its public art and architecture, its cuisine and its attitudes, and you can t help but be affected by it. Flower Stall, Paris Flower Stall, Amsterdam These cities will always be new and exciting to me and no two minutes in them is ever the same. 10 Sydney Harbour Embellished Canvas on Board Edition of 195, Size 36 x 18, FRAMED 625 Paper Edition of 295, Size 12 x 12, FRAMED

7 NEW COLLECTOR S BOOK A highlight of the collection is a magnificent 180 page hardback book, Panini, Pretzels, Pernod & Paint, which features a range of specially commissioned artwork and photography. Panini, Pretzels, Pernod and Paint Hardback, 180 Full Colour Pages, 60 On the Champs Elysees Embellished Canvas on Board Edition of 195 Size 32 x 15 FRAMED 550 South Bank Flowers Embellished Box Canvas Edition of 195 Size 45 x 22 FRAMED 950 Amsterdam is a city overflowing with art, culture and character. Twilight Amsterdam Embellished Canvas on Board Edition of 195 Size 32 x 15 FRAMED 550 No wonder that Amsterdam is often referred to as the Venice of the North. It is just as beautiful and fascinating as its southern sister, but in a very different way. I love the city for its whimsical architecture, its fabulous culture and artistic heritage, its cyclists.all the characteristics that give it that positive atmosphere and of course, make it a tremendously enjoyable place to paint. When I travel the world, I find inspiration wherever I go; but my favourite place is still my riverside studio here in London. Walking the city streets and stopping to sketch a row of imposing buildings, or searching for an interesting new angle on a familiar landmark is always rewarding because you can guarantee that there will always be something new. It is also available as part of a Collector s Set which includes two signed limited edition prints of Paris and Venice. Collector s Set Edition of 595, 175 click here to see more from this artist 12 13

8 Duncan MacGregor forward motion Duncan MacGregor is continually forging new paths and pioneering ways in which to express his creative energy. Flying Sails III Glazed Box Canvas Edition of 195, Size 44 x 22, FRAMED 1295 Duncan is one of the art world s great innovators. Internationally renowned as the UK s leading contemporary colourist he is an explorer by nature, and is constantly pushing the boundaries of convention. With each new collection he invites us to join him on his exciting journey of artistic discovery, drawing us ever onward into his inspirational world of energy, colour and light, and sharing his unique personal vision through his vibrant and painterly narratives. Duncan takes traditional subjects as his starting point, but his execution is highly creative and contemporary and in his skilful hands these subjects become dynamic, often almost abstract, interpretations rather than straightforward representations. While at a first glance they seem almost minimal, closer examination reveals previously unseen depths, hidden messages and a wealth of pattern and detail that has been ingeniously composed and woven into each dramatic statement. With Duncan, not everything is necessarily as it seems

9 A lot of my painting is spontaneous in style, deliberate and energetic. Flying Sails I Natural light is hugely important to me; although my smooth and unblemished painting style rules out painting in the open air, I work in natural light where possible from a northerly aspect. This cuts out all the glare and unpredictability that come from a southerly aspect and gives me a beautiful, constant and reliable filtered luminescence from the north. Sometimes my starting point is influenced by an idea I am keen to develop; at other times it s just loose ideas floating around in my head. I am completely flexible in my approach, but when I start a painting I will finish it before starting another. I put everything into that one piece of work. As soon as the first colour hits the board I have a pretty good idea of what s going on and this is confirmed as I begin to move and mix the colours. A lot of my painting is spontaneous in style, deliberate and energetic, and I will inevitably reach a point where I feel it is time for a bold move. This is high risk as I have one chance to get it right and this bold and risky painting stroke will be so dominant and intrinsic to the whole work that if it is wrong the painting will be ruined, as any corrections will ruin its fluidity, its completeness. This is the same reason that once a painting is finished I never go back to change it afterwards when it is dry. Flying Sails II Glazed Box Canvas Edition of 195 Size 12 x 22 FRAMED

10 Duncan s new pure bronze sculpture Flying Sails Bronze Sculpture Edition of 150 Size 10 x 23 FRAMED 2850 COMING SOON News, views, tour dates, exhibitions and a wealth of insight into Duncan s life and work, all at the click of a button. Duncan s powerful new triptych has been given a stunning presentation; hand-embellished to create a rough surface texture, each piece is then glazed beautifully, adding a dramatic, light-enhancing sheen to each inspirational scene. Standing at just under 2 foot tall Flying Sails is a magnificent centrepiece for any setting. Aptly named, it does indeed seem to fly before our very eyes as brimming with latent energy, it makes an exhilarating statement. click here to see more from this artist 18 19

11 English Rose Embellished Canvas on Board Edition of 195 Size 24 x 24 FRAMED 895 Anna razumovskaya Enter the supremely elegant world of Europe s leading Romantic Realist. Internationally acknowledged as one of the greatest figurative painters of our time, Anna is one of the UK s most collected artists; these beautiful canvases are classic pieces inspired by the grace and beauty of the female form and make a breathtaking statement on any wall. To her each painting is a unique vehicle through which to express a mood or sentiment, yet her inherent love of fashion and glamour informs the presentation of these works, communicating her message with a haunting beauty

12 Perceptions of beauty are both universal and informed by our culture, and artists have been trying to encapsulate its essence since art emerged as a form of self-expression. With her classic figurative forms expressed through a lens of a very modern aesthetic, Anna weaves magical images in a lyrical, romantic style while creating art that is completely modern and original. Her musicians are works of fluid tranquillity, resonant both with implied sound and with artistic worth. In this piece we see elegant and graceful women expressing their own creative force, reflecting the artist herself. In their hands, the instruments hold the memory of lingering notes in the air as the artist explores the juxtapositions of art and emotion. Elegant Muse I Embellished Canvas on Board Edition of 195, Size 18 x 24, FRAMED 750 Golden Chord Embellished Canvas on Board Edition of 195, Size 36 x 24, FRAMED 1295 Elegant Muse II Embellished Canvas on Board Edition of 195, Size 18 x 24, FRAMED 750 Anna weaves magical images in a lyrical, romantic style while creating art that is completely modern and original

13 Quickly, Easily, Brightly Marvellous Tale Embellished Canvas on Board Edition of 195 Size 24 x 24 FRAMED 895 this is the way I draw, the way I paint, the way I live. My art is a reflection of my life, a reflection of myself. click here to see more from this artist Anna s paintings are overtly sensual, glamorous and expressive, evoking atmosphere and passion through movement, colour and expression. 24 Her fervent and dynamic application of paint on canvas and signature use of expressive colour combine to create her uniquely recognisable works. In her new collection she allows her love of the exquisite free rein and draws together a whole range of influences and inspiration, from musical performance to contemporary fashion. Though Anna s work is genuinely representational, it confounds attempts at categorisation. Idealisation of the expression of the female form and face, classical poses and naturalistic representation of the positive space, abstract use of the background space, impressionistic blendings of colour, every aspect of this work points to a different school of art. Her studio provides the crucible in which these styles merge, and one walks away with an appreciation of personal honesty and aesthetic originality. She says: I try to focus on the pleasure of painting and not the subject, because the moment you try to analyse the painting too much, there you go, you add that unnecessary stroke, that extra detail, and you have lost it. 25

14 Trendsetter Embellished Box Canvas Edition of 195 Size 32 x 32 FRAMED 795 something blue Hayley Goodhead Having stolen our hearts with her extraordinary PS I Love You series of enchanting zebras in classic Paul Smith colours, Hayley has shifted her palette and invited us to join her on a journey into the blue. Here she explains what led her in this particular direction and answers some questions about her life and work

15 With the recent blue pieces I have been thinking about the differing shades that we connect with the seasons. Although colours are not exclusively linked to a time of year, I do think that the PS and rainbow colours I use are more redolent of spring and summer, while browns and oranges have autumnal overtones and blues and whites are perhaps the colours of winter. I don t see the pieces as seasonal in any way, this is simply a personal attitude to colour, and I love all the different possibilities that thinking in this way opens up to me when I m planning my next piece. Zebras are such versatile animals to paint that introducing different colour ways felt like a natural step for me, and I do happen to love blue. I also love looking at changing fashions and different designs, and at the moment I am attracted to all things nautical, which works rather well with the stripes, but also sits well with my passion for blues. What do you think it is about your zebras that makes collectors fall in love with them? Hmm. I think (hope) that people see something of themselves in the animals personalities and that they can relate to that sense of family that I am trying to build with the growing collection. I think that the composition of my pieces also appeals to some people as they have a strong emotional basis, and people have told me that they sometimes relate to events or milestones in their lives - things like weddings and anniversaries. However on the other end of the spectrum people have contacted me to say how much they like the pieces as in the medical world the Zebra is another term used to describe arriving at a very unlikely diagnosis. This is because when you hear hooves going by you generally assume it is a horse but the same sound would be made by a zebra, so you should check you may be surprised! There is also the fact that, like me, many of us like vibrant colours and bold patterns, as well as that touch of the exotic. A zebra is not seen on every corner in the UK. Finally of course, the Paul Smith reference pulled in a lovely group of fashionistas! Can you describe your creative process? I always have a notepad full of ideas, it goes with me literally everywhere as I never know where my next idea will come from. I find a glass of wine amongst friends usually helps when it comes to the flow of ideas. There have been numerous occasions where my work has been brought up in conversation and four hours later a Trendsetter or Express Yourself is in preparation. I paint in my studio. It is a very long commute for me, all of a 10 second walk out of the house and into the back garden where my studio is located! I am quite a neat and tidy artist do my bold stripes and backgrounds give that away?! and am methodical when I work. I plan out my idea in full, researching the composition, then start on the canvas. I always base each piece with an acrylic wash, then sketch onto the canvas before putting in the detail of the subject, followed by the background, then finally glazing

16 How would you describe your work, and does it reflect your personality? I would like to think my work is modern, fresh, colourful, never boring, and I would hope it is exciting and unique. As to my personality, well I would say I m very friendly and outgoing which I suspect is reflected in my paintings. I don t think you d look at them and expect me to be shy somehow Which artists do you most admire? Flying Colours Embellished Box Canvas Edition of 195, Size 32 x 32, FRAMED 795 Roy Lichtenstein, Gustav Klimt, Georges Seurat, Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock and Piet Mondrian. If you know these artists, you will notice that although this is a very mixed bag, they all share a great love of colour, and they were all true pioneers of their respective styles. Do you have any specific aims and aspirations as an artist? Express Yourself Embellished Box Canvas Edition of 195, Size 32 x 32, FRAMED 795 From a very young age all I have ever wanted to be is a professional artist. That I have personal collectors of my artwork means the world to me, and is something that I really do appreciate. My aim with every painting is to enjoy the process and hopefully create a piece of artwork that will be enjoyed for many years to come. My aspirations for my artwork is for it to continue to be received as well as it has been so far and it is only with the support of my collectors that this can continue. Hayley s vibrant palette is inspired by all things contemporary including the colours and patterns of the fashion world. click here to see more from this artist 30 31

17 the v ew from here Craig portrays iconic faces and buildings through dozens, sometimes hundreds of intricately painted, exquisite figures

18 The Blonde Embelished Box Canvas Edition of 50 Size 30 x 30 FRAMED 1495 We are all part of something greater than ourselves, and if we work together we could achieve The Timepiece Embelished Box Canvas Edition of 50, Size 30 x 30, FRAMED 1495 greater balance. We are proud to present this collection of complex and beautiful statement pieces from visionary artist and innovator Craig Alan. Combining technical skill, creativity and wit, Craig portrays iconic faces and buildings through dozens, sometimes hundreds of intricately painted, exquisite figures. Each distinctive piece is created in black and white with a touch of red on some of the more glamorous faces. In their own way, they reflect Craig s highly recognisable take on life, where it is the small details that work together to create the big picture. The Brunette Embelished Box Canvas Edition of 50, Size 30 x 30, FRAMED 1495 Craig carefully plans and creates each tiny figure, all which have their own identity and personality which he has thought through to the finest details. His cast of characters include family members, friends and models, giving his work a uniquely personal touch

19 For me, the people and how they interact with each other and what they come together to make is the most important aspect of each painting. click here to see more from this artist Now based in Atlanta, Craig was born in California, but his artistic talent began to emerge when his family moved south. His earliest experimentation took the form of street portraiture, an endeavour that helped him perfect his flair for replicating the human figure. He has exhibited his work across the United States to great critical acclaim and is now making a significant impact on the British market. Craig s limited editions are presented as stretched box canvas with detailed hand embellishment which gives them a highly textured surface and renders each one a unique collector s item

20 Gary Benfield We are delighted to present these spellbinding impressionistic scenes of London and Venice from one of Britain s great contemporary artists. These two pieces are Gary s first published cityscapes and show us a new side of this extraordinarily accomplished and versatile artist. His wildlife and figurative pieces have proved enormously successful, and these captivating cathedral scenes look set to take the nation s galleries by storm

21 These two scenes both portray classics of late 17th century religious architecture, St Paul s Cathedral on the Thames in London and Santa Maria della Salute on the Grand Canal in Venice. Gary s impressionistic style was perfectly suited to creating these two bewitching interpretations as he offers us a soft almost sepia tinted image reminiscent of Monet s 1871 Westminster Bridge. Although both are deeply impressive buildings, their distinctive domes dominating the surrounding skylines, Gary gives them an almost ethereal quality, and they seem to shimmer in a misty haze which blurs the modern features of the foreground and takes us back in time, inviting us to look at them in a fresh new light. Impressionism is a much loved artistic style which originated in France in the late 1800s but remains a hugely influential approach. It is sometimes called optical realism because of its almost scientific interest in the actual visual experience and effect of light and movement on appearance of objects. The Impressionists were more interested in portraying the visual sensations rather than in creating an accurate transcription of physical objects, and this can be seen in Gary s works. Despite the fact that both buildings are instantly recognisable, there is little formality of detail, but rather he implies the presence of those familiar architectural features. The Impressionists also put more emphasis on the scene as a whole than on the person or main subject of the painting and a fascination with light and movement was at the heart of their ethos. They were anxious to preserve honesty and held that an artist s vision should be untainted by intellectual preconceptions; in other words, an artist should simply react to what they actually saw. They held that if we can only let go of what we expect to see and really look, then truth and honesty will be there, and Gary s beautiful new cityscapes are classic examples of these principles in practice. St Paul s Embellished Canvas on Board Edition of 195, Size 24 x 17, FRAMED 495 Santa Maria Embellished Canvas on Board Edition of 195, Size 24 x 17, FRAMED 495 click here to see more from this artist 40 41

22 FLAMENCO In a flamenco performance, the dancer will often stand motionless, absorbing the rhythm of the guitar, the clapping and the singing, waiting until the moment of inspiration strikes. She will then begin her passionate response to the music and the atmosphere. The dancer s role is to physically interpret the words, which often express the great lament of the persecuted gypsy communities in which the dance first grew up. The light, graceful arm movements contrast with the reverberating steps as her feet drill into the floor with almost bewildering intensity. Flamenco is the first in a series of dance-inspired sculptures which Carl is planning for the coming months, and choosing this particular dance as his starting point was clearly THE RIGHT decision. This stunning bronze represents a fabulous distillation of these elements Into a beautiful and coherent whole. The flamenco is a dance which symbolises the individual s outpouring of their soul, and as such makes a wonderful subject for a sculptor. It has a strong improvisational and creative element, as no one dance is set in stone, but rather each evolves from the spontaneous expression of the performer s emotions at any given time. Flamenco Dancer Cold Cast Bronze Size 5 x 17 FRAMED 1250 click here to see more from this artist 42 43

23 Beauty Reborn I Embellished Canvas on Board Edition of 195, Size 48 x 24, FRAMED 795 The Akiyama Code Decoding the art of Danielle O Connor Akiyama To look at a painting by Danielle is to enter a world of secrets, Don t tell them everything is a maxim that she has lived by for many years. But uncovering the hidden meanings in her art can be a fascinating and enlightening experience

24 The best place to start unravelling the story of a painting by Danielle is to look at the title. At one time she thought she might become a writer, and writing both prose and poetry is an important part of her creative life. Her poetic titles often give us a starting point from which to explore the canvas. In almost all of Danielle s paintings, the first stage is to write a drift. Beauty Reborn II Embellished Canvas on Board Edition of 795, Size 48 x 24, FRAMED 795 Beauty Embellished Box Canvas Edition of 195, Size 34 x 34, FRAMED 995 A drift is perhaps best described as a poetic musing or blessing that Danielle writes onto the blank canvas before beginning the painting process. These drifts are not intended to be seen and up until recently not even her husband Denis knew that she did this. (So she doesn t even tell him everything!) She often doesn t remember the words that she s placed beneath the paint even though they are occasionally partially visible, but they are there so that the viewer can receive the inspirational message within. GRACE Embellished Box Canvas Edition of 195, Size 34 x 34, FRAMED 995 The beautiful white blooms in Beauty and Beauty Reborn with their exaggerated red seed pods have become symbolic of the whole concept of regeneration, showing that while a flower will fade and die, the seed pods are a gift a new generation ready to continue the journey. In these pieces the open blooms have plentiful seeds and are at their most beautiful, ready to bestow the gift of life. Danielle has been using the red seed pods in her work for the past 26 years, since her daughter Miya was born. CONtact the gallery to discuss the opportunity to invest in an original piece of artwork by Danielle O Connor Akiyama 46 47

25 The circle of life and regeneration is a constant theme in this new collection. We often use a word like influences to describe the starting point for an artist s work. That vocabulary is something with which we are comfortable: we understand, for example the effects of music or landscape on an artist s brush. Sometimes however, there is a deeper bond between what stimulates an individual to create a piece of work, and the work itself. When an artist draws on a personal reserve of creative inspiration, it becomes a privilege to see the world captured through their eyes. As observers, there is almost a need for new language to describe that intimate connection, and Danielle is such an artist. Danielle s unique style is a mixture of watercolour technique and Japanese influence. As a young artist, she began painting with watercolour under the guidance of her artistic mother and became determined to replicate the effects of watercolour in oil paint. It has taken her decades to perfect a method of application that we see today in her works. Years of experimenting with paints to the point of alchemy- it is no surprise that the exact method is a closely guarded secret. The chop is the final thing Danielle adds once the piece is completed. It is the red mark that we find around her signature on all her paintings. Danielle s chop mark is made by a marble stamp given to her when she completed her studies of Japanese brush painting. It was a gift from the chief Sensei in Japan along with her title Chi-Sho meaning a source of joy, which is what the chop marks reads. COMING SOON Stay up to date with Danielle s exhibitions and appearances on her new web site launched this spring

26 Journey I Glazed Box Canvas Edition of 195 Size 30 x 30 FRAMED 995 Journey III Glazed Box Canvas Edition of 195 Size 52 x 34 FRAMED 1495 Journey II Glazed Box Canvas Edition of 195 Size 30 x 30 FRAMED 995 Throughout the Journey series Danielle uses her iconic open flowers to represent relationships; romantic, family, or simply between friends. The single open flower signifies an individual who is open to life, love and opportunity, while the two flowers together symbolise a couple; their petals are curved and touching, showing how they lean on each other at different times in their lives but are constantly connecting with each other. In the central piece the smaller red bloom yet to grow represents stories to be told in the future. To guide us around each painting, Danielle has introduced small splashes of black and white on each piece that help us to navigate this vibrant world of colour. With a triptych such as Journey, Danielle loves the works to be hung together as this allows the narrative to take on additional meaning with the blossoms reaching across from one canvas to the next to hold onto one another. click here to see more from this artist Danielle s wish is that each of us can aim for and grasp our dreams, and that her paintings will be a part of that positive journey

27 Walking Tall Embellished Paper on Board Edition of 195, Size 16 x 22, FRAMED 450 Dylan s previous published collections have featured his famous wonky buildings. While these images are very different in subject, they share the characteristics that we have come to expect from him. Painted in vibrant, almost fairground colours, they display the intricate detail and the humorous individuality that make his work instantly recognisable. Pushing the boundaries as always, he is stepping out with an exuberant array of his trademark long people. The characters are drawn as if viewed from the pavement, giving us a whole new perspective on walking tall in the city. Best Foot Forward Embellished Paper on Board Edition of 195 Size 16 x 22 FRAMED

28 click here to see more from this artist Surf s Up Embellished Paper on Board Edition of 195 Size 33 x 13 FRAMED 495 As the father of two young boys, Dylan s busy life inevitably includes its share of days out to those traditional British settings so beloved of children. Last summer was a good one and he spent a lot of time with his family at the beach. As well as building sandcastles (well, major forts with full moat and drawbridge trimmings actually) he built up a vast quantity of sketches, doodles and ideas. He decided to create Surf s Up to celebrate the great British seaside experience. Lying on the sand looking up at the world around him gave him the classic long people perspective that has been prevalent in his recent work, and after a day spent fighting with his younger son s kite, he decided to represent himself in the image in a dashing pair of patriotic shorts. Fair Play grew up in much the same way. In the past it has been the structures in the work that have taken centre stage, but again with this piece it is the presence of the people that brings the scene to life. From a distance we see a classic fairground with all our favourite rides, but take a closer look and you ll discover that each one is delivering its own special brand of chaos. With Dylan, there s always more going on than first meets the eye! Fair Play Embellished Paper on Board Edition of 195, Size 33 x 13, FRAMED

29 m a n a n d n a t u r e i n p e r f e c t h a r m o n y John waterhouse t o n e p o e m s Famed for his beautiful sepia landscapes, John has ventured into pastures new in his breathtaking new collection. When I set about creating this collection, I knew that colour was going to be a key aspect. My intention was to build the landscape then to infuse it with colour, to select a single shade and combine it with the sepia tones. I didn t want to overcomplicate things, but to encourage the viewer to focus on the emotional and human elements of the work, as well as on the simplicity of one colour and the beauty that it can bring into our lives. I do occasionally paint landscapes in full colour, using relatively vibrant pigments. When I created Shimmering Light, I saw it as almost a temptation into the world of colour. I wanted to invite the viewer to use their own imagination to see the implied colours in the mid and foreground, as the hues of blues and reds from the sky blend into the far distance. There is almost a doubt as to whether the colour is there or not are we just not seeing it because of the dim dawn light in contrast to the distant shades which are illuminated by the early morning sunlight breaking through the clouds? A lot of my work comes from my imagination, from painting what I see in my mind s eye, so it seems a natural extension of this to ask the viewer to join me on my creative journey and make the vision their own

30 John s work originates in a memory or an emotion, which he may jot down as a title, a quick sketch, or something more in-depth - sketches or drawings which help him to reconnect with the feelings or memories that gave him that initial idea. He describes himself as a student of light, explaining that he studies the light as much as, if not more than, the physical aspects of a landscape; how the light may fall on some grasses or reflect on the water of a flooded field. With landscapes i feel it is not so much an idea, but an ability to balance and compose what is already there. Shimmering Light Paper on Board Edition of 195, Size 32 x 9, FRAMED 385 He says: I find the English countryside very romantic. Fields and trees to me have their own character and history, just as a person does. By taking plenty of time to study the view that I am about to paint, I am able to decide the areas that require toning down and the areas that need to be made more vivid, if any, in order to emphasise its character. When I m composing a landscape it sometimes feels as if I have a piece of clay in my hands and I am pushing and pulling it until it feels right. I feel as if I am in there in the painting; I feel the cool fresh air, the anticipation of what is over that hill or around the bend of the river. I am a daydreamer and I love it. The Longest Day Paper on Board Edition of 195, Size 32 x 9, FRAMED

31 Bluebell Wood Paper on Board Edition of 195, Size 10 x 10, FRAMED 285 Some years ago John was teaching art to young offenders and came to believe that art has the power to touch people s lives and change them for the better in a multitude of ways. It gives us the power to express ourselves and release our emotions. Through art we can tell the world what we are about. Art lets you dig deep inside yourself and turn the energy into something positive, something people can see and hopefully gain inspiration from. This realisation cemented his desire to become an artist in his own right, and since taking this step he has become one of our most acclaimed and collectable landscape artists. Poppy Field Paper on Board Edition of 195, Size 10 x 10, FRAMED 285 click here to see more from this artist 60 61

32 Getting to know M ark SPAI N Mark s atmospheric figurative work makes him the natural successor to the painters who have inspired and influenced the progression of his style, including Degas, Mucha and Singer Sargent. His creative process originates in an idea which he develops through a unique understanding of composition, narrative and photography before he reaches the first stage of painting. He works directly with the models setting up photo shoots and sketch sessions, which gives each work great authenticity and integrity. Mark s distinctive use of strong, dark colours combines with the poses he prefers - elegant dance postures or scenes with overtones of romance - to give his work a drama and beauty that makes it stand out from his contemporaries. His reputation has been forged over many years as a major artistic force, first in the UK and then on the world stage

33 With every painting I find myself completely absorbed in my work. I love the challenge and excitement of starting a new piece, trying to capture the grace, balance and beauty of the female form which has always inspired me. Mark has enjoyed a long and illustrious career in the art world, but his style and oeuvre have undergone a fascinating transformation over this time. During his art college training he developed a love of print making and for 10 years his work was sold all over the world and exhibited as part of the 20th Century British Art Fair, Barbican Contemporary Art Fair and through galleries in Japan, Korea and Australia. Dancing on the Deck Embellished Canvas on Board Edition of 195 Size 19 x 19 FRAMED 425 By the late 1990s Mark was working in oil on canvas and pursuing his love of the figurative. After many years of etching he found the use of oil paint liberating, and his work seemed to have been set free, allowing him to communicate directly with the canvas in a way that felt entirely natural. He has been one of the most collectable artists in the country now for many years, and his new editions are some of the most highly sought after published pieces in the UK. Treading the Boards Embellished Canvas on Board Edition of 195 Size 19 x 19 FRAMED 425 click here to see more from this artist 64 65

34 This Year s Lo e Looking for love? Then look no further than the latest captivating collection from art sensation Doug Hyde, which represents an uplifting celebration of true love! Despite his phenomenal international success, Doug has retained his ability to charm and disarm us with the warmth and immediacy of his uniquely inspirational creations. These two pieces are classic Hyde, sharing a positive message of love through his trademark figure and one of his favourite images an oversized heart. Lots of Love Paper Edition of 295 Size 21 x 16 FRAMED

35 The sculpture of Lots of Love is a real showstopper, and unlike anything else that Doug has given us in the past. The heart is transparent so the moveable figure can stand either in front of it with a beautiful background, or behind it and look out at the world through the heart. The choice is yours! Since he celebrated his 10th anniversary last year, the unstoppable Doug s popularity and profile continues to grow both at home and abroad, and we are looking forward to his next collection with great anticipation. click here to see more from this artist Lots of Love Cold Cast Porcelain, Size 17 x 17, RRP