Mile High Box Canvas by Drew Darcy

£395.00

Out of stock

Additional information

Artist

Image Size

35" x 23"

Edition Size

25

Medium

Giclee On Box Canvas

Availability

Out of Stock

Description

Mile High Box Canvas by Drew Darcy

Ideas And Inspirations

Music, fashion, film, photography, pop and advertising are a constant source of inspiration. The pin up genre of 1940’s-50’s in American illustration has also been an influence in my figurative work. Recently, after chat with Peter Blake at his “Under Milk Wood” exhibition, I have been exploring elements from the “Pop Art” movement. I admire many artists like Gil Elvgren, Helmut Newton, Andy Warhol, and Edward Hopper, to name but a few. I like to digest the artistic flavours from my favourite artists, absorb them and throw them all back in to the mix to make my own distinctive style.

Many hours are spent taking photographs, setting up scenes and gathering my resources. My figurative work is based around the female form. I often want my paintings to show some sexual allure and a sexual tension. I like to capture intimate moments in time, whilst still trying to keep a sense of movement and realism. Reference is collected using digital cameras. I can manipulate these images using my computer and can quickly realise my initial ideas on screen. I can then get a feel of what the final piece will look like, change colours, cut and paste. I embrace technology and love the fact that I can marry traditional methods with the modern and new. However, nothing compares with the magic that can be created with a simple brush stroke. No digital imagery or computer power can get even close to that invaluable human touch. I eagerly anticipate transposing my developed ideas onto canvas. In the time waiting for the paint to dry, music and song writing is another creative output for me. Music has always been a huge passion of mine. My studio has a microphone and guitar at arms reach. I find myself working at best with music, lyrics and canvas. I can easily lose myself as the hours rush by in this intense creative environment.

From Palette To Picture

Firstly, I sketch my desired image on to the canvas with a watercolour pencil. The palette is prepared with my chosen oils. I use Liquin as this is my preferred medium, for its quick drying properties. I find that the first touch of paint on a primed canvas is always the most rewarding. I like to work in sections, blocking in colour quickly , then I start to smooth and blend out the tones. I refer to this process as “pushing paint”. I brush on the colour and then blend in tones evenly using soft watercolour brushes and fan brushes. The overall affect has a similar look to airbrushing. Knowing when to stop is the key. I don’t want to overwork the piece. I think this is my secret to keeping a fresh look to my work. I’m not afraid of using space within my paintings; less can mean more, allowing the painting to invite the mind to imagine. The contrast with colours, textures, light and shade are some of the many elements that continually fascinate me.