We are delighted to have a new painting in the library by our wonderfully talented Artist-in Residence Neil Foreman. It is a work in acrylics entitled Red Chimneys.
Neil says : “As with most of my abstract paintings, this painting started with a full palette as an exercise in colour. As I paint, I mix colours for tone and intensity, putting paint on the canvas in small blocks with a range of flat brushes.
I initially focus on one particular area of the canvas – in this case the bottom right. I work outwards, applying blocks of colour that are complimentary or contrasting to the adjoining blocks, sometimes merging the two allowing the paint to “run” together, sometimes ensuring that there is a hard edge to the block of colour.
Standing back from the painting frequently is essential: looking, looking, looking – ensuring that what you are putting down pleases the eye.
Eventually something starts to emerge – a “vision”.
As the vision develops, significant elements of the picture call for more definition – perhaps a horizon, perhaps some sky – it is'”what pleases the eye”! Ultimately there will be a finishing touch which seeks to capture the essence of the picture; in this case the addition of the “Red Chimneys”.
Do pop in and see this striking picture, which is now on display.
Friends of Watlington Library 