study of a youth

Study of a Youth 2012

110718-Head of a Man

E

This Unfinished Business

Inside the studio, April 2011. the studio is a place sanctuary and uncertainty. 

Drawing continues in between bouts of painting. These also undergo various states of transition, and the energy that comes from this feeds into painting.

studio drawing

drawing

Celia Paul: Embodied Light and Experience

The work of Celia Paul has been on my mind.

I find her manipulation of paint compelling; it is nuanced brush work. It demonstrates a delicate yet assured response to the presence of her subjects - sometimes close family members, some times herself. The ambiguous light sources, shifting focal points and luminous shadows lend the paintings a warmth from which we can draw so much.

celia_paul_self

Beauty, mystery and strangeness come together in her work and affirms the unique strength of painting to mediate and embody human experience.

celia_paul_frank

Celia's exhibition, Identity, Mothers and Daughters includes new works on paper, prints and paintings at Marlborough Fine Art, London until 26 Feb, 2011. London readers, feel free to write me with your personal feedback and experience of these.

New Light and Gesture

Regarding Lifted 2010:

A friend and model Kathleen provided the core inspiration for this painting. Kat has a dance background which gives here a striking self-awareness; her sensitivity to space, movement and stillness all contributed to the atmosphere and tone of this work.

A few smaller studies were completed first (uncharacteristic of my working method) and then I just laid the paint on, with a few shifts throughout to register and respond to gestures I have come to know over time.

Lifted 2010 oil on linen ©paul w ruiz

Encuentros is showing until Saturday 04 December at Lindberg Galleries, Level 2/289 Flinders Lane Melbourne.