Brian Cox and the rediscovery of why trees and forests have been a key theme in my work

I watched episode 1 of the recent series by Brian Cox and was simultaneously enthralled, challenged and perplexed by his explanation of the origins of the universe. To be fair, having struggled to achieve grade 4 at 'O' level in Science, I didn't expect to be fully conversant with particle physics and quantum mechanics. I could more or less accommodate the critical role of gravitational force in the formation of galaxies and planetary systems; the notion of material colliding and collapsing in on itself seemed theoretically plausible, but I had difficulty in connecting this knowledge with the physical reality of Earth, forests, grasslands, sky and seas. The fundamental chemical structure of matter at the heart of everything we can apprehend with our senses reduces us to mere flotsam and jetsam in the flow of time.

'The Secrets of Trees' Oil & Cold Wax on Canvas 100 x 150 cm (Artwork in Progress)

Trees and forests have been the focus of my painting for a while now, and I think I'm beginning to understand why. Trees were the first plants to invade the land about 430 million years ago in the Silurian Period (so I am informed) before vertebrates invaded the land. The other day, taking a short break on a long bike ride, I sat on a bench opposite a beautiful horse chestnut tree in the village of Little Downham.

Close-up of Artwork

It wasn't special in any obvious sense of the word, it looked like all the other trees of its type, but momentarily I was transfixed. As I continued to look at this object, anchored in the ground, the twisting shapes of the trunk, the branches subdividing, and a myriad of leaves in Autumn free fall, I registered the idea of a tree as if for the first time. A beautiful elegant structure, yet simultaneously a collection of chemicals and atomic particles, arranged in a configuration we have labelled tree. I question the arrogance and myopia that allow us to imagine that we alone are sentient and the sole proprietors of conscious thought. Just like us, trees are trapped in a finite allocation of time; unlike many of our species, this particular tree was the embodiment of dignity, purpose and silent resolve.

Close-up of Artwork

This large-scale work based on Thetford Forest remains unfinished at the time of writing. It has already followed a meandering pathway through various 20th-century painting styles. You will see elements of Impression and maybe even a suggestion of Seurat's pointillism, but I feel that the work of Boccioni, a member of the Italian Futurist group is currently the strongest influence. Uppermost in my mind has been the creation of a sense of movement and flickering light, with forms dissolving and reforming. I have experimented with a range of techniques which include blurring, repetition, and the use of lines of force. The panoramic composition also encourages the eye to move across the picture plane from side to side.

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About Artist

I am a UK based abstract landscape painter/artist with a range of compelling and popular original mixed media paintings available to buy. You can follow my artistic practices, latest artworks and painting techniques and news by reading my contemporary art blog.

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Each artwork will arrive unframed with painted edges, ready for you to hang. If you wish to frame a painting, you can make a direct request at an extra cost or contact your local framing shop.

Previous Exhibitions

I am a British artist based in Ely, Cambridgeshire and my work is sought by collectors here in the UK and worldwide. I have exhibited recently at the Battersea Affordable Art Fair, The Babylon Gallery in Ely, The Art in East Anglia Gallery, in Bury St Edmunds, The Darryl Nantais Gallery in Linton, The Michael House Centre and The Locker cafe in Cambridge. I also have collections of my artwork in prestigious office settings in major towns and cities throughout the country.

Materials Used

I work in mixed media, oil, cold wax, acrylic, bitumen and on both medium and large-scale canvases. My techniques involve a range of techniques and processes including, drawing, painting, collage, printing and mixed media applications. My main subject matter is landscape and abstraction and many of my paintings are located somewhere between figurative and non-figurative approaches to image-making.

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