BIOGRAPHY:
[B.1962, Wolverhampton] After turning down a chance to study at art college, figurative artist Keith Maiden rediscovered his passion and talent for painting three years ago. Born in Wolverhampton, Keith Maiden turned down the opportunity to attend art college at 16 in favour of earning a living to help his parents. He began his career as a shop fitter and factory worker, but it was on visiting a local printers to have his sketches photocopied that he was offered a job as a graphic designer. Keith went on to work as a designer for international retail brands. However, it was a mere three years ago, following a move from London to Shropshire that he picked up a pencil and sketchpad
for the first time in 20 years. Keith decided to sell his new work at a local market and word started to spread about his art, which earned him much success and the rest, as they say, is history. Keith’s works are built up in layers, seven or eight in total, which he starts by creating light areas in white acrylic, using a brush, pallet knife and his fingers. He then adds layer upon layer of graphite, acrylic, enamel and then pastel. Keith explains how his work is, “very raw, which is deliberate; I am not after perfection or realism. I paint from the heart, and strive for emotion and feeling in my work”. His technical ability and natural sensitivity show in his depiction of the feminine form, effortlessly creating depth above and beyond the surface.
I remember first playing Sonic the Hedgehog when I was 28 years old…and loving it! Little did I know back then, that fast-forward more years than I care to admit, and I would have a 21 year old son who also loves playing it to this very day. I was the envy of all my friends when I undertook this project. Let’s face it…there aren’t too many jobs that would allow for an assignment as fun and cool as this one! Every bit of the research, planning and sketching phase was enjoyable; so much so that I feel reluctant even to refer to this as ‘work’. I wasn’t sure initially that my style of work INSIGHT & INSPIRATION:
would do Sonic justice, but I’m thrilled with the end result. I tried to stay true to the characterisation of Sonic, with a few subtle twists to incorporate various symbols and elements from the game. I think these pieces work well because they’ve given Sonic and his friends an edgier look, making it feel very contemporary and current. The Sonic game is a brilliantly formulaic balance that will continue to win fans as long as Sonic is in action. It has the good guys, the bad guys, and everyone secretly wants to be one of the characters! It’s visually stunning, whilst being exciting and challenging in equal measure. The ultimate recipe for success.
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