Stephen Simpson Original Artwork
Stephen Simpson Original Artwork
The colours and texture I choose to use are inspired by all of natures Elements. Looking at the glowing embers of a fire or a storm at sea will make something just ‘click’ and ill be ready to get into the studio. Its natures sheer power which I strive to capture in my work. Sometimes the results will be soft and calm and others much more dramatic which all adds to the uniqueness and emphasises that every piece is totally individual. Each of my paintings have a Light source which gives them life, much like real life, without light there would be no life. I paint dark to create light, I look a lot at Turner’s work and the way he manages to give the illusion of light in his paintings.
Before starting a painting I sometimes draw a small thumbnail sketch, this mainly consists of where my light source is going to be positioned to give a pleasing composition. I then build up the pieces in a number of layers of relief texture and oil paint glazes. To move the paint around I use a combination of palette knife, brush and old rags to create earthy effects. By using heavy texture my work has an almost sculptural quality with a tactile surface. The combination of rough and smooth mediums coinciding with ever changing light creates the illusion of movement in the pieces. As a finishing touch I add a high gloss coat which makes my work dazzle in the light and look almost glass like.