30 x 25cm, acrylic on canvas
My small canvas studies base on the monochrome illustrations in Cesar Ripa’s iconologia continue. These are learning aids in a way, embedding postures, fabric folds and symbolic elements in my muscle memory to enhance my improvised drawings.
Allegory of Fidelity, acrylic on canvas, 30 x 25cm.
the main composition is borrowed from the moral emblem in Ripa’s Iconologia.
Allegory of The Beginning, acrylic on canvas 30 x 25cm
main pose of the figure and symbolic element of the letter and small man in the creators hand borrowed from the Iconologia.
Occasionally I make collagey mixed-media works for fun. A way to explore interesting compositions and distortions outside of real world restrictions of perspective and proportion.
They also frequently allow a free exploration of a sort of grotesque as a result of the jarring combination of different scaled elements.
I have added some of these collages to my eBay shop: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/394355872772
Over the past week Or so I’ve been making small studies after Rubens and Titian paintings as a painting exercise.
Here are three that I’m currently working on.
All acrylic on canvas
For years I have periodically painted still life paintings of skulls. Sometimes these have taken a vanitas approach incorporating incorporating other symbolic elements (flowers/coins/ objects) to suggest a narrative or deeper meaning to the viewer.
More frequently they are something of a portrait of the skull where it is the sole or primary aspect of the composition .
In addition to attempting to develop a striking image, these paintings function as a form of painting practice, where I try to develop aspects of my skill and techniques.
Below are some recent examples:
As mentioned in previous posts, around 2017 I produced a number of illustrative paintings inspired by Patrick Suskind’s novel “Perfume”.
Prior to painting I produced a series of works on paper in biro or pencil, to develop the compositions in an improvisatory manner.
An ongoing work in oil and collage on panel
I was invited by Moray Art Centre to submit work for their Christmas exhibition which is a showcase of recent graduates.
A selection from my series of watercolour illustrations inspired by Manic Street Preachers album “Everything Must Go” are included, and are on view until 20th Jan.
The last (for now?…) studies influenced by songs from the Manic Street Preachers album “Everything Must Go” have been added to the gallery page: https://mattwells.art.blog/narrative-painting/portfolio/
Below are a few of them.
Matt Wells Art 