Foreword by Karl Ullger

When I evaluate paintings I tend to focus on composition, technique, colour, tone, texture and perspective. I believe that craft and artisanship are the key to a well constructed piece of art. It is therefore my aim to take the aforementioned aspects into consideration when creating my art.

Not only have I concentrated and developing my own natural talent and flair but throughout some of my artworks I have experimented with a compilation of artists styles, which I have adapted and taken on board as my own. My artwork can be described as having an expressive nature. In my paintings I have tried to break away from the security and conformity by amalgamating the genre of abstraction with expressionism.

I have been greatly influenced by a series of art masters and their unique and diverse styles of painting and ideas. From Hopper’s obsession of depicting urban life to Francis Bacon’s powerful subversive brushstrokes in his compositions to Frank Auerbach’s dynamism not allowing his subject matter to disengage from the distinctive properties of his medium.

The concepts and ideas behind my artworks have also generally derived from personal experiences. Some of my artworks may even have a story or message to tell similar to how Caillebotte or Velazquez paintings’ have hidden and important connotations. In this exhibition titled, “La Dolce Vita” my main focus has been on literally everyday life. From the student drinking her ‘Costa Coffee’ at the park bench to a busy ‘Opening Night’ scene at an art exhibition. My artworks have eagle eyed and pin pointed the small aspects in life and our everyday environment giving these moments a sense of importance.