I am self taught. I work using multiple styles that are continually evolving. At first glance it may not appear that I can keep to a single style or subject area. However, it is possible to see some patterns across all of my paintings:
I work entirely in acrylic and take advantage of all of the flexibility that gives me. I use pastes, gels and metallics, with paint thickness from alcohol thinned through to semi-solid. For tools I use brush (especially filbert), various sponges, rubber stamps and pallet knives for some effects. I always start a piece by laying it out in a digital sketch or collage. This allows me to quickly work out the overall composition and color palette.
My primary style is classical realism. With that style I try to tell a story or ask a question. Extending this into surrealism the story becomes more ambiguous. For some pieces I move to semi-abstraction using a stylized or childlike technique. They say that the average person looks at the average painting for five seconds. I try to increase that time by using unusual compositions and overly bright colors. Each painting should be a window into an interesting world. I believe that a picture isn't worth a thousand words - more like five. I try to make those words a question that leads to more exploration. I have also created some pure abstract pieces. The problem I find with abstraction is the difficulty of balancing creativity, beauty and interest. It's easy to end up creating "chimp art".
As a challenge to push the variety of my styles I created a new multi-style - SPLANS. The requirement is to combine Surreal, Portrait, Landscape, Abstract, Nude and Still-life in a single piece. The original thought was "Six paintings in one! Something for everyone to like". (Sometimes it seems to be something for everyone to dislike.) However, I love the challenge of combining these elements to create a cohesive work with an underlying story or theme.
Although using multiple styles, I often return to the same subject matter. My first installation used a lizard, bird and fish to represent earth air and water, with fire represented by the artist. I reuse these icons as part of a visual language.
I think of art as existing in three dimensions:
With these dimensions there are many possibilities: There are artists like Rene Magritte, who was considered less skilled but very creative and popular. There are artists who are skilled and creative, but not (at least) my taste. There are artists who are not creative but very popular. My main goals are to be creative and true to my own taste (and hope that there is an overlap with the taste of others). My hope is to make art that tells a story, asks a question or inspires.
It's a long story - suffice to say that Prince Furfish rhymes with Chris Sturgess in the Surreal.
contact: mailto:princefurfish@hotmail.com