View our Autumn 2014 edition of Fine Art Collector magazine.
AUTUMN 2014 UK £3.00 US $5.50
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ON TREND Inspiration for your home in our practical guide to what works where
FEEL THE FORCE Childhood memories revisited in
Davison's Star Wars themed collection
PIECES OF BEAUTIFUL 108 NEWART
MILLAR COMES HOME MR & MRS SMITH SUPERHEROES!
AVAILABLE IN GALLERIES NOW JOHN MYATT
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46 Athome-helpwithchoosingart
62 Mr&Mrs Smith
12 Thebiggerpicture cityand landscapes
22 AvariceEgocentric KeithMaiden CONTEMPORARY ART from the country’s finest artistic talent.
56 Homecoming AlexanderMillar
welcome If you’re a seasoned art collector, you will be only too aware of the feelings evoked after you’ve placed a w o nd e rful new piece in your home. But could you d e scrib e it? To us it's excitement, calm reflection and pure pleasure - there’s nothing quite like it. Whether you are eagerly awaiting new artw o rks from your favourite artist, or collecting art is unexplored territory, sit back and enjoy this stunning collection. Trust your instincts - and commit to bring an inspirati o nal painting into your home this Autumn. We guarantee it will brighten your every day.
FineArtCollector ispublishedbyWashingtonGreen (F.A.P.C.)Ltd Email art@washingtongreen.co.uk Website washingtongreen.co.uk Alltheartfeatured inFineArtCollector isavailablethroughanetworkofPartnershipGalleries.Visitourwebsiteatwashingtongreen.co.uktofindyournearestgallery.The images containedwithinthis literatureareanartistic representationofthecollection.Tobestexperienceourart,we recommendyoucontactyour localgallerytoarrangeaviewing.Prices illustratedthroughoutthismagazineare recommended retailpricesandmayvarybetweenPartnershipGalleriesdependingonstylesofpresentation. Designed&ProducedbyNowMedia.Contributors:SallyRowland, JayneHowarth,StephanieRichman.
© 2014 Washington Green (F.A.P.C) Ltd. Printed in England
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Subverting and challenging preconceptions about childhood and innocence are key themes in Xue Wang’s colourful and disturbing paintings, brought together in her latest collection ‘The Imaginarium of Xue Wang’. Not for the faint hearted, here is ‘lowbrow’ art in its highest form. C HI NA D O LL
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� Lollipop
Gicléeeditionof95 ImageSize 111/2”x81/4” FramedSize 261/2”x23” Framed£325 Canvaseditionof50 ImageSize111/2”x81/4” FramedSize181/2”x151/2” Framed£250
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“I don’t see being categorised as a lowbrow artist in any
way demeaning. It’s current and fashionable and has its roots in a Californian movement that
was hugely influential.”
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Xue Wang
� I'mForever Blowing Bubbles Gicléeeditionof95 ImageSize13”x10” FramedSize28”x241/2” Framed£350 Canvaseditionof50 ImageSize131/2”x101/2” FramedSize201/2”x171/2” Framed£295
� CheckMate
Gicléeeditionof95 ImageSize18”x151/2” FramedSize33”x30” Framed£475 Canvaseditionof50 ImageSize231/4”x20” FramedSize 301/2”x27” Framed£550
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“I don’t mean to disturb my audience. I hope they can laugh at the images but then pause - and think,” says Xue Wang, a petite and classically pretty Chinese artist, whose work is making great waves in the ‘lowbrow’ art world. The ‘Pop Surrealism’ movement which started in the 1970s has now embraced the ‘lowbrow label’ as a badge of honour. “I don’t see being categorised as a lowbrow artist in any way demeaning. It’s current and fashionable and has its roots in a Californian movement that was hugely influential,” explains Xue. Born in industrial Northern China in 1980 (the year of the mischievous monkey as she points out!) she took a fashion degree in Shenyang and at the age of 22 moved to London to finish her MA, during which time her passion for fashion waned, and her interest in art and drawing was ignited. Having successfully forged a career as a fashion designer (working for names including Marks & Spencer) Xue became increasingly disillusioned with the industry, and its fixation with the bottom line, and she realised that painting was where her true passion lay.
SPOTLIGHT Xue is a product of China's 'One Child' policy which was introduced to control the country's population in 1979. Parents were fined or forced to have abortions for breaking the rule. But the 'One Child' law has left an ageing population and a gender imbalance. This year, the Chinese lawmakers announced they will allow families to have two children.
The new collection, like much of her previous work, displays a fascination with childhood paraphernalia and Victoriana, reflecting nostalgia for a youth long before her own. As a product of China’s ‘One Child’ policy, she says she remembers an isolated, »
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Xue Wang
� StretchFido
� BombShell
Gicléeeditionof95 ImageSize14”x10” FramedSize291/2”x321/2” Framed£475 Canvaseditionof50 ImageSize17”x22” FramedSize24”x29” Framed£495
Gicléeeditionof95 ImageSize13”x16” FramedSize28”x301/2” Framed£425 Canvaseditionof50 ImageSize15”x181/2” FramedSize22”x251/2” Framed£395 ImageSize161/2”x18” FramedSize32”x321/2” Framed£495 Canvaseditionof50 ImageSize23”x25” FramedSize30”x32” Framed£595
� ATight Squeeze Gicléeeditionof95
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“I like to challenge, to be controversial and make people think a bit – the fact that I use childhood looks, with big eyes and soft lips disturbs some people.”
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but happy childhood in which her imagination became her constant companion. “I was an only child in a household where both my parents were out working, so I retreated like lots of children into an imaginary world, playing with my dolls, dressing them up and building little stage sets and that has influenced my work enormously.” The eerie sense of humour combined with an obsession with dolls, toys and fairy tales creates a captivating and unsettling mood which Xue likes to take to sometimes shocking extremes. “Superficially they may appear ‘cute’ but my intention is to unsettle, albeit it subtly – just as the creeping wasp on the fairy cake does,” she explains. The overly large eyed temptresses may appear vacuous but are by turns amusing, odd, and just a little threatening. “I like to challenge, to be controversial and make people think a
bit – the fact that I use childhood looks, with big eyes and soft lips disturbs some people,” laughs Xue, whose condom bubble-blowing Marilyn Monroe figure in ‘I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles’ has caused some collectors eyebrows to be raised. The Imaginarium of Xue Wang collection is inspired by silver screen Hollywood iconography, as well as Xue’s passion for dark Ealing horror films. She likes to employ what she calls Hitchcockian techniques in her paintings, using shadow and enclosed space to great effect. “People often ask me why I always feature blondes in my paintings – but like Hitchcock, I can see the reflection and nuances in blonde hair that you would not get on a brunette – plus blood shows up on blonde better!” Some of the images use a monochrome palette to impart a ‘period feel’ to the theme and the cinematic elements are tinged with
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Editorial Feature
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darkness utilising Hitchcock’s studio lighting effect to accentuate each figure. Xue says her favourite work in the collection is ‘Narcissess’ as it questions how appearances can deceive. “This one really nails the theme of female vanity for me. The mirror world throws back a startling reflection of things which might be. It strips off the superficial veneer of beauty to reveal a more disturbing interior parallel reality.” she explains. Xue works from her London studio on several paintings at a time, using oil on board, rather than canvas which she finds an easier medium to work on when producing meticulous attention to detail. A late riser (although she would admit this habit has changed since the arrival of her first baby just three months ago!) she likes to work at long stretches. Despite what she describes as a ‘butterfly mind’ that flits from one thing to another in every other aspect of life, she says she can concentrate on her art for prolonged periods of time and spends over one hundred hours on each canvas. Will motherhood change her outlook or ideas about content? “I still like to sit amongst my stuffed cobra, a fox skull and a box of dead bumble bees and I don’t think I will ever stop painting images that challenge on some level” she says, (although she admits to becoming drawn to landscapes recently), before adding “but the old fashioned interiors and isolated figures are part of my psyche so they will always be there.” GALLERY The new collection fromXue Wang is available now. Viewonline at washingtongreen.co.uk
� StraightNoGnashers Gicléeeditionof95 ImageSize13”x10” FramedSize28”x241/2” Framed£350 Canvaseditionof50 ImageSize131/2”x101/2” FramedSize201/2”x171/2” Framed£295 Gicléeeditionof95 ImageSize18”x143/4” FramedSize33”x291/2” Framed£475 Canvaseditionof50 ImageSize181/2”x151/4” FramedSize251/2”x221/2” Framed£395 � Narcissess
In brief Who is your favourite artist andwhy? Frida Kahlo – female, independent and wonderful use of colour. But can I add in Victorian painter Albert Kubin and the god of pop surrealismMark Rayden too! What is your ambition artistically? To keep painting and for mywork to influence people. What do you like best about living in London? The diversity of the city and there always being something new to do or discover. I never ever get bored here. And the shopping! I love to shop! Is being a child or an adultmost fun? I loved being a child. I only have happy memories and it was always ‘sunshine’ in mymind. Having no responsibilities is a wonderful thing you only appreciatewhen you become an adult.
the city. I was brought up in an industrial city in China and now live in London. It’s where I feel comfortable. Where did you last go onholiday? China – I always go somewhere new in China after visitingmy family. China is a big country and my (British) husbandwants to seemore than just my hometown each timewe visit! What is your favouritefilm? Rear Window by Alfred Hitchcock. Book or Kindle? I amembarrassed to admit it but I don’t read. I like to imagine in pictures and not text. I cannot concentrate to read. I havewhat I call a ‘butterflymind.” Cat or Dog? Dogs! I have a little black doggy called Kuma. What do youmissmost about China? Easy – family and food in that order!
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Are you a City or a Country girl? It has to be
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IN THE GALLERY J o hn DWils o n
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There is always a real sense of accomplishment on completing a painting, together with the excitement of beginning the next.
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� LowryMeetsBanksy 3-Deditionof150 ImageSize19”x39” FramedSize22”x42” Framed£850
� StreetScene
3-Deditionof150 ImageSize19”x28” FramedSize22”x31” Framed£650
� LowryGallery
3-Deditionof150 ImageSize19”x28” FramedSize22”x31” Framed£650
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CITY + LANDSCAPES
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Nightfall,TowerBridge -NeilDawson Canvaseditionof50 ImageSize131/2”x40” FramedSize181/2”x45” Framed£550
FEATURED ART THE BIGGER PICTURE Art lovers and collectors have long had a love affair with majestic city and landscape art. We are instinctively transported to another place by them, drawn by the colours, the techniques employed, and their ambiance. Whether they evoke strong memories or induce a reverie, there is no doubt that the enduring genre is as popular as ever.
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CITY + LANDSCAPES
hen you think of landscape paintings, which artists first come to mind? Is it Turner – the great
painter of light, who is hailed as the father of modern art? Perhaps it is John Constable, whose landscapes of Dedham Vale offer a romantic retrospective of the English countryside? Or perhaps the grand scenes of Canaletto or the hazy lilies of Monet come to mind? There’s no doubt that landscape art has been a popular genre for centuries, but the tradition actually goes back millennia. There are examples fromMinoan Greece, dating to about 1500 BCE, while the Romans captured bucolic scenes in their frescos and mosaics. A few hundred years later, during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) in China, artists were revered for their exquisite work depicting the natural world. However, in the Western world, interest in landscapes did not begin in earnest until the 16th century, when the Renaissance painters used those sweeping scenes as a backdrop to religious paintings. Slowly, the love affair with landscapes developed and in the 17th century, Italy and the Netherlands became the two main centres for the art. Later in the 18th century, it was France and Britain that dominated the genre.
Its popularity endures today and as a homage to both land and cityscape art, Washington Green has commissioned new works from some of the UK’s leading artists. The paintings by Neil Dawson , Lawrence Coulson , Paul Kenton , and Richard Rowan offer powerful and dramatic images of big skies and urban spaces that awaken our senses. Lawrence Coulson is renowned for his big scenes and is profoundly influenced by the great English landscape artists Turner and Constable. And although his newest three paintings for this collection are a departure from his usual style, they are no less dramatic for it. ‘A Winter’s Tale’ is his first winter scene in many years. It is an undoubted triumph which will delight collectors, old and new. “We all love the romance of snowfall and I was keen to do something different,” he explained. “When I came to paint the snow, I was trying to find something that looked like it was falling without it being deliberate. “I knew I had to get the consistency of the paint right because if it was too thin it would have run. Luckily I got it right first time – I flicked it onto the canvas and it looked like tiny snowflakes.” »
GlimpseOfTheInfinite -RichardRowan Glasseditionof95 ImageSize191/2”x191/2” FramedSize33”x33”
Framed£750
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� Moonlight,Thames Barrier Canvaseditionof95 ImageSize30"x30" FramedSize36”x36” Framed£695
� NewDawn
Canvaseditionof95 ImageSize30"x30" FramedSize36”x36” Framed£695
LAWRENCE COULSON
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“We all love the romance of snowfall and I was keen to do something
different. When I came to paint the snow, I was trying to find something that looked like it was falling without it being deliberate.”
� AWinter'sTale
Canvaseditionof95 ImageSize30"x30" FramedSize36”x36” Framed£695
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Editorial Feature
� YellowCabs, TimesSquare
� NewYorker
� CitySplendourII
Canvaseditionof50 ImageSize18"x24" FramedSize23”x29” Framed£450
Canvaseditionof50 ImageSize131/2"x40" FramedSize181/2”x45” Framed£525
Canvaseditionof50 ImageSize131/4”x40” FramedSize271/2”x23” Framed£450
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NEIL DAWSON
Compare Lawrence’s tranquil, impressionistic scenes of huge skies with Neil Dawson’s dramatic cityscapes of New York City and London. His four oil paintings are packed with instantly recognisable and iconic city landmarks – the Gherkin, the Shard, and Tower Bridge in London, the New Yorker Hotel, the yellow taxis and Times Square of the Big Apple. “I love to paint cities and I like to include landmarks that are associated with that city,” he says. “It enables people to evoke memories of their own visits or they can aspire to go there themselves.” Using photographs for reference, Neil spends about six weeks on each painting, starting with a black background before building layer upon layer of colour – as many as ten – to get the optimum level of vibrancy.
Although the subject matter he tackles is very different from the Impressionist painters, Neil is inspired by their techniques. “I love the way they use colour,” he says. “There is a simplicity in the way they apply the paint. It’s free, loose, and suggestive.” Paul Kenton , one of this country’s foremost cityscape artists, also cites the Impressionists as being an early influence in his art. He has produced five stunning paintings for the new collection – four of London and one Paris street scene. Striking is ‘Silver Shard’ , a monochrome cityscape that mirrors the lustre of London’s newest building. “Although a new addition to the iconic London skyline, the Shard blends in beautifully, like it has always been a part of it,” he said. “I wanted to
“I love to paint cities and I like to include landmarks that are associated with that city. It enables people to evoke memories of their own visits or they can aspire to go there themselves.”
»
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Landscapes CITY + LANDSCAPES
SilverShard- PaulKenton Boxedcanvas Editionof150 ImageSize48”x38”
£850
Top Five British Landscape Artists
� Turner � John Constable � Richard Wilson � John Varley � David Hockney
AUTUMN2014 FIN e ARTC o LL e CT o R 17
CITY + LANDSCAPES
create the silvery sheen of the Shard's outline, reflecting the image of the City's magnificence back out into its streets.” This stark black and white painting contrasts with the warm tones of Battersea Power Station, a tribute to one of his favourite London landmarks, and Blaze It Up, a fiery sunset over the Thames. “If people enjoy my work, that’s good enough for me, I don’t ask any more than that,” said Paul. “I do hope they connect to the picture whether it’s sensing the speed and energy of the traffic, the opportunities and excitement behind the twinkling lights or the calm and serenity of a sunset by the river.” The final artist in this focus on landscapes is Richard Rowan – and his work is literally out of this world. Painting on glass adds another challenge to his pieces – “it can make you want to tear your hair out,” he admits – but the result is divine. His collection of three paintings is about the visual journey taken from the ground to the Milky Way and through to the furthest reaches of space. “My message is simple; I want to give people the opportunity to forget about the world around them – even if it is just for five minutes – and for my paintings to transport them into looking at the heart of a nebular, watching the Milky Way or the clouds rolling above their heads,” he says. “As their eyes focus more on the colour in the painting, their mind should be tricked into thinking the sky is actually moving, the sun is setting and the night stars are twinkling.” His favourite piece is ‘Sunlit Night’ . “This is a sunset that didn't want to go away. Some are over in seconds, but this one endured, the colour lingering in the sky, diffusing beautifully through the clouds and swathing the horizon in warmth.” It seems that this enduring genre is as much about escapism for the artist as it is the viewer – the ultimate journey for the soul. GALLERY The newartworks from these leading city and landscape artists are available in galleries nationwide or vi ew online at washingtongreen.co.uk
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“I do hope people connect to the painting whether it’s sensing the speed and energy of the traffic, the opportunities and excitement behind the twinkling lights or the calm and serenity of a sunset by the river.”
� ParisAfterDark Boxedcanvas Editionof150
ImageSize36”x60”
£950
� MoonlightRiver Boxedcanvas Editionof150
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ImageSize191/2”x60”
£695
� BlazeItUp
Boxedcanvas Editionof150 ImageSize191/2”x60”
£695
� FinalFlurry Boxedcanvas Editionof150
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ImageSize36”x60”
£950
PAUL KENTON
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� Pure
Glasseditionof95 ImageSize231/2”x39” FramedSize36”x52”
Framed£950
� SunlitNight
Glasseditionof95 ImageSize123/4”x28” FramedSize241/2”x311/2”
Framed£695
� TheShore Glasseditionof95 ImageSize123/4”x28” FramedSize241/2”x391/2” Framed£695
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How great city & landscape artists work
RICHARD ROWAN
1 Manymodern artists use photographs as references for their studiowork alongside plein air sketches of the subject. Choose your photographwisely and do not rely on it entirely. 2 Before you take out a camera or a brush, take time to decidewhat your viewpoint will be – explore your surroundings and look at every angle. 3 Work on light. Although applicable to all genres of art, getting the light right is crucial in any landscape painting – decide on the directionof light because thiswill informeverything else,
include them if they fit the subject. Use your imagination! 5 Choose if your subject is to have symmetrical or asymmetrical composition and then select the values – the light and dark, the half-tones. 6 Don’t include everything – use the landscape as a reference point and concentrate on the features that interest you. 7 Reduce the level of detail in the background – it helps the viewer to focus on themain aspects of the painting. 8 Build your layers over time – the brushstrokes add depth and interest.
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including shadows and contrasts. 4 Unless you are painting an
identifiable landscape, take elements fromelsewhere and
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IN THE GALLERY Car o lin e Sh o tt o n
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� HerdItThrough TheGrapevine
Boxedcanvas Editionof150 ImageSize231/2"x48" £650
I’ve always created work that stems from personal experience, yet allows others to add their own narrative.
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� MayDay
� HeavenScent Boxedcanvas Editionof150
Boxedcanvas Editionof150 ImageSize30"x45" £695
ImageSize271/2"x44" £650
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CENTREPIECE As part of a new collection, Keith Maiden's intensely haunting depiction of modern self- centredness and greed tells a powerful tale.
AvariceEgocentric Boxedcanvas Editionof95 ImageSize32"x42” FramedSize361/2”x46” Framed£850 Unframed£595
Hand-Embellished Deluxeeditionof25 ImageSize36”x48” Framed£1,595 Unframed£1,350
» Retaining much of his monochrome style, 'Avarice Egocentric' is cleverly infused with what Maiden sees as modern symbols of greed and individualism. Almost hidden in amongst the skilful layering of light and shade are items such as watches, credit cards, poignant words and a Twitter logo. R aw and expressive, 'Avarice Egocentric' is Maiden's soulful of the greed and self-absorption that pervades every aspect of life, the Jesus-like figure with the flag of Great Britain in his outstretched arms suggests a tormented struggle to protect the disappearing social values that the flag represents. The controversial image was inspired by 'If I were the devil' – a speech made in 1964 by the legendary ABC radio broadcaster Paul Harvey imagining a corroded American society in the future. Chillingly, much of what he said then has become true of life today. portrayal of the social evils that scar British society today. Telling a story
Latin inscription translates to 'centre of their own attention' - this tells its own story
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Close up Keith Maiden
Middlefinger Contempt for
society's ills...but a little pixilation to say go softly. Wrist watches One is not enough – howmuch
Apple tattoo Two bites of the apple - a twist on Apple's logo suggesting corporate greed
is need and how much is greed?
Credit cards Symbolising greedy bankers, they are all in the name of Mr OwenMonie, adding a gentle touch of humour. A cable and plug hold the credit card crown in place in a subtle dig at themight of power companies. On cheek Mine, mine, mine - facing selfishness every day. Earbuds Self-absorbed and closed off to theworld - a hallmark of modern society
EU logo A large and powerful body – another imposition on society
Me, me, me Egocentricity rules. In a nod to the Jesus- like figure, 'me' is painted 33 times - the age that Jesus is thought to have died
Twitter ACCOUNT CLOSED: 0 followers... he asks you to interpret this as youwill
Camera Greed Cameras – a clever dig at speed cameras and themoney they bring in
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Close up Keith Maiden
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"The painting
started out as a male version of my female figures", said Maiden "and I never intended it to have religious connotations. When the biblical
feel evolved over time, I decided to offset it with iconic modern objects and words that to me represent the frightening decline in present day values". 'Chloe' and 'Isabella', which make up a trio of new pieces, are a continuation of Maiden's previous figurative work. Capturing the essence of the feminine form, they radiate sensitivity and depth both above and beyond the surface. GALLERY 'Avarice Egocentric' is available as a signed boxed canvas limited edition of 95. 'Chloe' and 'Isabella' are available as signed limited Giclée editions of 95 each. Viewonline at washingtongreen.co.uk
� Isabella
� Chloe
Gicléeeditionof95 ImageSize18"x13” FramedSize29”x231/2” Framed£250
Gicléeeditionof95 ImageSize18"x13” FramedSize29”x231/2” Framed£250
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IN THE GALLERY J o ann e Panayi
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I'm very lucky that I take most of my inspiration from people, as we're surrounded by them.
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� LeSalonDeChic ResinSculpture Editionof150 Height11” £450
� PrettyInPunk ResinSculpture Editionof150 Height131/2” £395
� LadyStarlight ResinSculpture Editionof150 Height12” £450
� HolidayLove ResinSculpture Editionof150 Height141/2” £395
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IN THE GALLERY Paul C o rfi e ld
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The Dorset landscape is an area of great beauty and an obvious source of inspiration.
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� WatchingThe WavesRollIn
Canvaseditionof95 ImageSize20”x40” FramedSize27”x47” Framed£750
� NoPlaceLikeHome Canvaseditionof195 ImageSize8"x8" FramedSize15”x15” Framed£195 � SweetDreams Canvaseditionof95 ImageSize24”x12” FramedSize31”x19” Framed£375
� LavenderLane
Canvaseditionof95 ImageSize24”x12” FramedSize31”x19” Framed£375
� ANewDay
Canvaseditionof95 ImageSize13”x26” FramedSize20”x33" Framed£395
� TheHouse ByTheSea
Canvaseditionof195 ImageSize8"x8" FramedSize15”x15” Framed£195
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NIC JOLY
Artist Nic Joly’s poignant commemorative piece is on track to raise £150,000 for war veterans past and present. NEVER FORGOTTEN
� NeverForgotten 3-DWallSculpture
LimitedEditionof1566 ImageSize17”x17” Framed£695
� MakingLove
3-DWallSculpture Editionof90 ImageSize17”x17” Framed£695
� RecreationalDrugs 3-DWallSculpture Editionof90 ImageSize17”x17” Framed£695 � InAWorldOfOurOwn 3-DWallSculpture Editionof90 ImageSize 17”x17” Framed£695
“INMYOWN SMALL WAY, I WANT THIS PIECE TO REMIND US THAT ALL THOSE WHOHAVE GIVEN THEIR LIVES IN CONFLICTS FROM WORLDWAR I UNTIL THE PRESENT DAY,
WILL BE NEVER FORGOTTEN.”
WWICENTENARY
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R emembrance Day in November, with itsmessage of reflection on the sacrificesmade by brave servicemen andwomen, is captured none better than by Nic Joly’s poignant miniature 3D sculpture, ‘ Never Forgotten’. Using the poppy, the ultimate symbol of remembrance, Joly created the piece tomark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of WorldWar I. His inspiration came fromamovingmeetingwith a
Also in the Nic Joly Collection
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ninety-six year oldwar veteranwho spoke to Joly about his experiences inWorldWar II and those of his father inWorldWar I. With humbling reticence, the veteran utteredwords that will forever resonatewith courage and fortitude: “Wewere just doing our job.” For Joly, past and present combined at that moment and history transformed from imperson- al words in a book into something very real and tangible.
The deeply touching ‘Never Forgotten’ is Joly’s own inimitable way of recognising that war veterans don’t want sympathy – they simplywant their fallen comrades to be remembered. “In my own small way, I want this piece to remind us that all those who have given their lives in conflicts fromWorldWar I until the present day, will be Never Forgotten.” Joly creates his tiny and delicatemasterpieces from intricately painted paper and cotton-wrappedwire. The former furniture maker began crafting themafter his first sonwas born, when he left small doors, people andwindows around the house for him to find and be intrigued by. Realising that these creations were like small pieces of theatre echoing theworld around us, he started to frame thembehind glass. Washington Green has raised thousands through galleries by donating £100 from the sale of every piece to The Royal British Legion, to help Joly reach his goal of raising £150,000 to help support war veterans past and present.
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GALLERY The new collection fromNic Joly is available now. Viewonline at washingtongreen.co.uk
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IN THE GALLERY J e ff R o wland
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I am always inspired to experience what I am about to paint.
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� BlueMoon
Canvaseditionof95 ImageSize24"x30" FramedSize31”x371/2” Framed£695
� ItMustBeThe Moonlight
Canvaseditionof95 ImageSize24"x19" FramedSize311/2”x261/2” Framed£495
� DanceBetweenThe Raindrops
Canvaseditionof95 ImageSize24"x19" FramedSize311/2”x261/2” Framed£495
� Warm&Glowing
Canvaseditionof95 ImageSize24"x30" FramedSize31”x37” Framed£695
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Editorial Feature
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� OverTheMoon
Canvaseditionof95 ImageSize24”x24” FramedSize30”x30” Framed£595
Occasionally, an individual emerges that blurs the artistic lines, breathing narrative into visual art and leaving interpretation and appreciation in the hands of the onlooker. Ryder is one such artist.
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A series of interesting and alluring images which are designed to make you smile.
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yworkwas inspired by the need to escape from the sometimes harsh realities of this
philosopher Roland Barthes as Ryder’s notional reference, the idea is that empowerment gives us back control; no dictatorial biography, instead ameta- phorical blank canvas for us, the audience, to take charge and formour own opinions. Barthes famous viewwas that as an audiencewe have subjectivity imposed upon us – that our knowledge of an author, painter or poet ultimately colours our opinion of, and attitude towards, the piece itself and in his work “Death of the Author” he urges us to look beyond the constraints of the simple answer, the easy route, and to judge each creation on its ownmerit. No artist biography to influence your impressions, no collection overview to police your critique, just the art laid bare. As Barthes stated, “it is languagewhich speaks, not the author” and so Ryder has taken the lead and offers the voice, but leaves the art to do the talking. We likewhat Ryder says!
world”, is the only public utterance that the elusive Ryder has released to the media since his colourful work attracted interest fromWashington Green. A reclusive artist without a fixed identity who does not seek publicity, Ryder is as enigmatic as the now infamous Banksy, andmay be set to become just as prolific! The collection is an energetic and exuberant celebration of life. Rich blue huesminglewith a vivid technicolour palette, in a series of paintings that celebrate the natural world. Painted on canvas with an almost childlike simplicity, andwith the backdrop of an ethereal and beautiful landscape, they forma series of interesting and alluring images which are designed tomake you smile. Ryder’s view is that art should speak for itself, without any back story or knowledge of the artist or ulterior meaning. Taking the literary critic and
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GALLERY The Ryder collection is available now. Viewonline at washingtongreen.co.uk
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� Juliet’sRomeo Boxedcanvas Editionof95
ImageSize30”x30” FramedSize311/2”x311/2” Framed£695 Unframed£550
� Romeo’sJuliet Boxedcanvas Editionof95
ImageSize30”x30” FramedSize311/2”x311/2” Framed£695 Unframed£550
� DangerousLiaisons Canvaseditionof95 ImageSize34”x33” FramedSize30”x38” Framed£695 � TheExhibitionist Canvaseditionof95 ImageSize24”x24” FramedSize30”x30” Framed£595 � IntheNightGarden Canvaseditionof95 ImageSize24”x24” FramedSize30”x30” Framed£595 ShowOnEarth Canvaseditionof95 ImageSize24”x24” FramedSize30”x30” Framed£595 � TheGreatest Canvaseditionof95 ImageSize28”x28” FramedSize34”x34” Framed£695 � TheChase
—RolandBarthes , literary critic and philosop er
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IN THE GALLERY B o b Bark e r
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� FieldofDreams
Canvaseditionof195 ImageSize191/2"x60" FramedSize27"x671/2" Framed£995 Deluxecanvas Editionof10 ImageSize231/2"x72" Framed£1,950
� MoonlightHearts
Canvaseditionof195 ImageSize123/4"x40" FramedSize20"x471/2" Framed£595
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The echoes of my past become my future paintings.
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S U P E R H E R O E S
A collection of limited edition art of iconic comic book covers signed by stan lee
Visit castlegalleries.com
@castlegalleries capturedcastle.com facebook.com/castlegalleries
Hamish Blak e l e y IN THE GALLERY
RoomAtTheTop Canvaseditionof95 ImageSize28"x28" FramedSize351/2"x351/2" Framed£695
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Craig Davison's new Star Wars themed collection captures a time when imagination was a Force to be reckoned with.
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Craig Davison
� BMX-Wings
� FullForce
� DirtyDeeds
Canvaseditionof195 ImageSize32"x40" FramedSize381/2"x46" Framed£795
Canvaseditionof195 ImagesSize34"x221/2" FramedSize40"x29" Framed£550
DoneDirtCheap Canvaseditionof195 ImageSize28"x211/2" FramedSize341/2"x28" Framed£450
tar Wars has always been an immense source of inspiration for Craig Davison. With so
many different characters, the scope to feature his endearing- ly scruffy, high-energy kids playing at being them has always been huge. His captivating new collection puts Star Wars very firmly centre stage. "I've created several pieces in the past linked to these movies", he said "and I was asked by so many people to do more that I decided to create a collection that is entirely dedicated to the Star Wars theme. The films also have a special place in my heart. I was a kid when the first one was released in 1977, and after watching it in the cinema I promptly bought loads of Star Wars comics. They were one of the first things that got me hooked on drawing." ANYTHINGGOES "These paintings are all about what children would do after seeing Star Wars, which is look around for objects that they can use to make them look and feel like their favourite characters. For young kids it's all about uninhib- ited play using their imagination and free-spirited resourcefulness, like using pegs for ears in 'Yoda Am I' - exactly the kind of things my friends and I did when we were young." The collection comprises eight oil paintings, with Davison everything – and even anyone – to take their imaginative leap. In 'I Need Your Help R2' , a bowl, a baby walker and a baby make a great R2 D2, and in 'Full Force' , headphones do a perfect job of creating Princess Leia's iconic hairstyle. A cardboard box makes perfectly capturing the way children use anything and a fantastic helmet in 'Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap' and walking sticks and umbrellas are just the thing for lightsabers in '5 Vaders!... Right We're Having 5 Lukes!' .
BRINGINGTHE MAGICTOLIFE
Rather than starting with detailed sketches, Davison is always impatient to get straight
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Craig Davison
� 5Vaders!...RightWe’re Having5Lukes! Canvaseditionof195 ImageSize26"x40" FramedSize321/2"x461/2" Framed£695 Canvaseditionof195 ImageSize28"x211/2" FramedSize341/2"x28" Framed£450 � INeedYourHelpR2... Canvaseditionof195 ImageSize28"x211/2" FramedSize341/2"x28" Framed£450 � KEEEE-OOOOH!
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� SuperTroopers
Canvaseditionof195 ImageSize34"x26" FramedSize401/2"x321/2" Framed£650
� YodaAmI
Canvaseditionof195 ImageSize28"x211/2" FramedSize341/2"x28" Framed£450
The captivating new collection comprises 8 oil paintings
CHILDHOODMEMORIES The paintings reflect a time when childhood was all about make-believe, with children relying on their imagi- nation and whatever is to hand – from dustbin lids to cricket bats - to recreate their super heroes. "Kids today have a great time and just as much fun but usually in a very different way", said Davidson. "Back then, when children wanted to play-act a character they simply pretended; now they usually have costumes and video games." "I've never forgotten what it feels like to be child. Pretty much all of my works stems frommy own memories and imagination, and I rarely turn to things like photos for inspiration", Davison added. "A lot of people talk about finding their inner child but I think that for me it's more about finding my inner adult." "Many people tell me that my paintings take them right back and evoke lots of happy childhood memories. It's a great feeling for me that I can do that and a real honour." GALLERY The newStar Wars-themed collection is available in galleries nationwide, or view online at washingtongreen.co.uk
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on to painting as soon as he has a rough doodle of his ideas. He begins with a colour wash over the surface to get rid of the white of the canvas then paints into the wash in acrylics. Blocks of shapes and shadows follow, then colour and definition. Next are glazes of colour over the whole canvas, then Davison paints over the figures again to give them a looser look. He also uses a brown glaze over the entire painting, which cleverly knits the foreground and background images together.
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In brief Whatwould yoube if youweren't an artist? Actually I'mhopeless at anything else. Thoughwhen I was a kid I wanted to be a taxidermist. What's your favourite holiday spot? I used to live in Penllyn in North Wales and I still love going there and getting away from it all. Howdo you relax? Walkingmy two dogs. Drawing and painting ismy life and I'mhappy just doing that. Do youprefer town or country- side? Definitely countryside. I live in the countryside in Shropshire and I love the fresh air, open space and being in natural environments. Are you amusic lover? I always havemusic onwhen I'mworking in my studio. I'ma fan of prettymuch everything from JackWhite and Dean Martin to punk eramusic. Do you read a lot? I love reading but I don't read asmuch as I'd like to. I prefer non-fiction and recently read In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick. It's the true story of howa large spermwhale attacked and sank thewhaleship 'Essex' in the 19th century and it's the inspiration for HermanMelville's Moby Dick. E-books or paper? Definitely paper. I much prefer the feel and tangibility of physical books – and physical CDs - plus I also like collecting things. “These paintings are all about what children would do after seeing Star Wars, which is look around for objects that they can use to make them look and feel like their favourite characters.”
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Emma Grz o nk o wski IN THE GALLERY
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� GoddessFlower
Canvaseditionof95 ImageSize24"x30" FramedSize321/2"x38" Framed£695
� AwakeMySoul
Canvaseditionof95 ImageSize30"x24" FramedSize38"x32" Framed£695
My work is an evolving journey with each painting representing feelings and states of being.
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Picture
PERFECT Choosing art for the home is a true skill, but with a little knowledge it can be easily learnt with these top tips.
Dining areas Kitchens and dining areas are generally neutral or plain so they invite a blast of colour. Plainwhitewalls offer the very best backdrop for any painting (as every museumcurator knows!) and as places that create an area for conversation and entertainment choose a painting that is both eye catching and busy. This colourful painting by Paul Horton, aptly titled ‘Hustle &Bustle’ perfectly fits within the neutral walls of the dining area, allowing it to become a focal point amongst the tonal colours of silver, white and brownwood.
LOCATION - Art must be ‘place appropriate.’ In a bedroom, art should be calming, or even seductive, but in a dining room you can afford to be bolder and more dramatic. If you intend to relax in your living room, don't choose art that's too loud, or anything that feels as though it takes over the room. The purpose of the roomwhere you intend to display your art should influence the tone of the artwork itself. look out of proportion. The bolder the art, the more room it needs. Measure the space where you want to hang the art and leave enough "white space" so that the painting can breathe. White walls and plenty of light are the ideal. If a room has wallpaper, look out for too much interference that may distract from appreciating the art. art and are the easiest for the novice hanger - but what should you do if you bring home a painting you love and it clashes with its environment? First, hang the painting in various places in your home, trying it out on different walls. It may look great in a place you hadn't planned on hanging it. If you can't find a place where the art looks 1 2 3 SIZE - Art that is too large will overwhelm, and art that is too small will be lost and STYLE - Simple, plain and neutral colour schemes are best for showing off your
its best, you may need to make some changes in the room, such as moving furniture or taking down patterned wallpaper and replacing with a white or neutral paint. The changes will be worth making in order to enjoy the art you love.
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LIGHTING - Lighting is the key to showing art at its very best and can greatly enhance
its effect on a room. You may find that placing a picture light above a painting or directing task lighting on it is all the art needs to exhibit its brilliance. If you place a work of art in direct sunlight, however, it may well fade. Fine pigments such as watercolour, pencil and pastel are especially prone to fading, whereas acrylics are not, so check! and can be a good solution for interior walls that can't carry a great deal of weight. If you do decide on a frame, select one that ties in to the location where the artwork is to be hung, and complements the artwork itself. The frame should be a continuation of the picture rather than a direct contrast, and in the best sense can serve as a ‘bridge’ between the artwork and the room, picking up on colour and materials such as wood tones or silver or gold. 5 » FRAMING - Some artwork can be hung with no frame, especially contemporary art,
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Life&style ChoosingArt
Hustle&Bustle- PaulHorton Gicléeeditionof195 ImageSize14”x30” FramedSize26”x42” Framed£475
Measure the space where you want to hang the art and leave enough "white space" so the painting can breathe
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Life&style ChoosingArt
Hallways and walk through areas It’s a good idea to greet peoplewithwarm tones as they enter a home. A hallway is the place to create a dramatic impact, and even a small space can allow for a more adventurous approach. Contemporary art can be wonderful in a traditional setting too, and don’t be afraid of colour. In this hallway, the bold ‘Superman Forever’ print by the pre- eminent comic book artist Alex Ross, works brilliantly, injecting an energising vivid pop of colour. By keeping thewallpaper neutral or vertically designed it allows the painting tomake a real statement without being overshadowed. Children’s bedrooms Children’s rooms allow for lots of creativity and can be a place to break the rules! Keep the art fun and simple, such as one of Peter Smith's 'Impossimal' paintings which are both humourous and endearing. When hanging pictures in a children’s room remember their eye level and don’t hang at an adult height or it will literally go over the child’s head. Or be really enterprising for little ones and hang a favourite painting on the ceiling so they can look at it onwaking and before falling asleep!
SupermanForever- AlexRoss Gicléeeditionof295 ImageSize231/2”x17” Framed£695
Keep an open mind with your piece of art. Hang the painting in various places in your home, trying it out on different walls and in different rooms. It may look great in a place you hadn't planned on hanging it. MAKE IT WORK...
99Problems- PeterSmith Canvaseditionof150 Image26”x141/2” FramedSize33”x211/2”
Framed£395
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Master bedroom Bedrooms by their very nature are places that in an ideal world should be spaces of peace and tranquillity. Make the painting the centre of attraction by playing down the other design elements such as curtains, carpets and patternedwallpapers. Keep it simple! A roomcrowdedwith toomuch colour and texturewill take the spotlight away from the art (and a good night’s sleep!) This oil painting by Hamish Blakely ‘RoomAt The Top’ has a cinematic quality that is both sensual and romantic.
When choosing art for a bedroom, opt for something calming, or even seductive
RoomAtTheTop- HamishBlakely Canvaseditionof95 Image28"x28" FramedSize351/2”x351/2” Framed£695
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Life&style ChoosingArt
Apply colour tones used in upholstery to
OverTheMoon-Ryder Canvaseditionof95 ImageSize24”x24” FramedSize30”x30” Framed£595
your choice of painting, so it complements not clashes
Living rooms Living rooms are places for relaxation and it is rare that a room is solely designed around the art. Choose soothing tones for walls and upholstery and then apply the colour tonewhen choosing the art. You need it to complement and not fight against the colour. This colourful and uplifting oil painting by the elusive artist Ryder breathes awitty narrative into the room. ‘Over TheMoon’ perfectly fits within this traditional living roomby creating a talking point, and the painting is beautifully 'book ended' by traditional lamps and cushions to create a calmsense of symmetry.
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Alex Echo
AN INFINITE BALLET OF QUANTUM MIRACLES Alex Echo's hypnotic new collection pushes the boundaries of his exceptional creativity
nspired by recollections of many years of living by the beach and a deep-seated love of oceans, lakes and rivers, Alex Echo's glorious new collection of four images breaks newground for the artist. "Mywork over the past four years has been super detailed, but these are hyper detailed", he said. "They are about pushingmy boundaries andmy technique, and taking seascapes, riverscapes and lakescapes to the next level." With his unique perspective and palette of colour, he uses intricate brush strokes to create a complex and extraordinarymelange of light, movement and emotion. Born in America and now living in the UK, Echo sees the new collection as a natural trajectory. "I can look back 20 years, even tomy figurativework", he reflected "and seemy natural organic progression." »
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Alex Echo
"Water is our primary life force & these painting are all about water"
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As an artist, David Hockney, Monet and Matisse are always influences for himand he is a big fan of acclaimed German artist Gerhard Richter. "I greatly admire his later abstractionwork and there are elements of his inspiration inmy newpieces." NATURAL REVERENCE Echo creates his distinctive, highly original workwith immense environmental care, ensuring that hemakes as little impact on the planet as he can. "I try to be as green as possible", he said. "I usewater-based paint and the resin that I apply on top to give the painting its liquidity is the least toxic I can find." "I love nature, I love the earth, and I lovewatching the stars withmy child. I canmeditate on themovement of a river, or the breeze on an English pond or lake for hours. These new limited editions are some of my best examples of this love affair and its attendant madness; my attempts at capturing the tiniest snapshot of the infinite ballet of quantum
miracles that lie before our eyes every single second of our lives." Inwhat Echo calls his "small attempt at giving a little something back to this beautiful earth, its oceans, rivers and lakes", he is donating all of his royalties fromsales of the prints toWaterAid UK. "Millions of people in theworld are dying because of lack of water", he said "and the problemhas now reached critical mass. Water is our primary life force and these painting are all about water so it made total sense tome to do this." AlexEcho'snewcollection isbeing exhibitedatgalleriesacrossthecountry untiltheendof2014,withtheartistmaking personalappearancesatselected locations. GALLERY Reflections &Ripples Study No.4; Reflections &Ripples Study No.1; Elemental Source Study No.1; and Elemental Source Study No.2 are each available as a signed boxed canvas in a limited edition of 95. Viewonline at washingtongreen.co.uk
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