Art for arts sake
GAIA – The Origin – Catalogue listing and Critique
Simon King-Underwood
“I proceed very slowly, because nature is extremely complex for me, and the progress to be made is infinite. It is not enough to see one’s model well, one must also feel it exactly, and then express oneself with force and clarity.” (Paul Cézanne)
Geometry, a term composed of the prefix “ge”, which means “earth”, and “metria”, which means “measuring”, literally means “measurement of the earth”, and is that branch of mathematical science, which deals with shapes and of their relations with space. Simon King-Underwood’s art is characterized by an artistic research in close connection with this discipline, making his works real new worlds made of meticulously described lines and spaces. Real visual translations of reality, in what he himself defines as ‘Geometric Constructivism’
In “Pine Tree Bark”, a series of vertical lines occupy the space, opening the viewer to a distressing vision, heightened by the fast pace and the use of purely dark colors, ranging from black to brown. Some white points of light stand out violently on the surface, in the form of long and narrow lines that accompany the contours of the shapes. All told through a technique that treasures the teachings of the great master Paul Cezanne, precursor of the artistic current of Cubism. For Cezanne, “the form, the design, the way of constructing the figurative space had to be radically renewed”, it was necessary to build a new figurative space, through the form.
King-Underwood, transposes these teachings into a fully contemporary language. His landscapes become forms in space. In some cases he focuses his attention on certain details, such as the bark of a pine tree, creating new visions of Nature. It is interesting how approaching the work in question, new details can be discovered, truly entering deeply into the body of Mother Earth. King-Underwood, makes his art the means to discover Nature. Showing it through new eyes, he allows us to grasp the myriad of wonders that characterize it, leading us on a modern experiential journey.
Art Curator Francesca Brunello
GAIA – The Origin MADS Milano
I have recently exhibited at an International Digital Art exhibition GAIA – The Origins.
The exhibition is a collaboration of International Artists with the theme of Nature.
The selected piece is ‘Tree Bark Study’ which is mixed media on kraft Card. This piece is part of my continued experimentation with Geometric Constructivism.
Inspiration
Nice to be involved with an Art class for children. Where would art be with out inspiration
Dark Woods
I was in the woods recently after the rain. The rain soaked trees were black making them really stand out against the overcast sky.
For this piece I started with the board upside down so I could control the brush stokes to create the fade. I found it was easier to evenly stroke down the surface. I built up the layers of tone with paint first then flipped the board to the correct way round to add the detail.
I think the fade works really well and even thought I have titled dark woods its actually flooded with light.
ArtSoulCafe
Pleased to have peice of my work up on the walls of the ArtSoulCafe in St Neots.
Caroline owner and manager of the cafe and gallery is an artist herself so is very much in tune with the artists she promotes.
This image if not sold will be replaced on a monthly cycle to showcase this years best work.
Dramatic Skies
Recently back from a Norfolk trip where I was treated to some spectacular skies. When painting skies I tend to take the William M Turner approach. Laying down bold brush strokes then building up the layers.
I often use soft pastels over the top to blend between the hard and soft shades of the clouds. This can be very effective.
Life drawing class
In term time I like to attend a life drawing class as well as an evening open session. The class environment with a skilled tutor really helps to keep focus on the basic skills of measurement and proportion.
As you can see in this drawing I had a few attempts at getting the curvature of the back correct. Its all too easy to get complacent and only focus on the finished piece…..
Creative flow
As Summer draws to a close, on reflection it’s not my most creative time. I’m busy balancing other commitments. The start of Autumn signifies a shift for me back into full creative flow. More drawing trips to Norfolk, extended life drawing sessions and more studio time.
Media – geometric wallpaper
As with new materials it is interesting to work on different types of media. I often visit my local DIY store to look through the wallpaper samples. This one stood out straight away as it was metallic and geometric. I have painted with acrylic over the top then used a cotton bud to take back the paint and re reveal the gold pattern underneath. Its quite effective.