JOHN S - A Brief Introduction
I am a keen landscape artist living and working high in the hills of Upper Weardale, drawing much inspiration from my dramatic North Pennine surroundings.
It is my aim to invoke the feeling of the humbling influence of this unique environment within my artworks; a landscape that simultaneously asserts both brooding dominance and ethereal beauty.
I find that charcoal (often with a subtle hint of colour through the addition of a little chalk pastel) is an excellent medium with which to capture the unique moodiness of the Pennine hills and valleys; it mimics the feeling that many of us experience when wandering in this wild part of the country – a dark cocktail of the power of the elements, the enormity of the landscape and the physical insignificance of the individual. Yet, the resulting feeling tends to be one of amazement and euphoria. Yet my influences extend far beyond the Pennines.. travelling extensively across the UK, especially the most remote and wild places of Northern Scotland further fuels my inspiration.
Over the years, I have exhibited in a diversity of galleries, from Cornwall to Yorkshire and most recently in galleries around the North East, including the Customs House Gallery, South Shields and the Biscuit Factory, Newcastle.
In recent times, I have exhibited and sold my work through major UK Art Fairs.
FRAMING OF MY ARTWORKS
Being a professional framer allows me to frame my own artwork to an exceptionally high standard. I opt for clean-lined simple frames in solid ash, and float-mount each piece (with a visible characteristic ripped edge) to give a three dimensional shadow effect. Importantly, I use archival quality materials throughout, right down to the use of 'museum glass' - which is not only wonderfully transparent and anti-reflective, but also filters out over 99% of incoming ultraviolet solar radiation... meaning the artwork will look the same in many decades' time as it does on the day of purchase. Below is an example of a framed piece..
