The Reasons To Be Cheerful Series
I have now completed three paintings in the series at 59” x 98.5” (1.5m x 2.5m) one at 56” x 44” and two at 44” x 44”. As with many of my studio still life pieces, they owe much to the influence of Peter Blake (now Sir) with whom I studied in the summer of 1973 at Hospitalfield House in Arbroath. The decoupage style and structure is something of a new direction for me in putting together my very own Sargent Pepper! The “Reasons to be Cheerful” title is a nod to Ian Dury who was also a student of Peter Blake and as with his lyric list of his favourite things, I have illustrated a collection of my favourite influences and objects. My paintings try to be an uplifting view of my artistic heritage.
In “Part 1” you will spot influences and imagery from Valasquez, Renoir. Larry Rivers, Gauguin and Utamaro as well as my interpretation of Robert Capa’s iconic photograph of Picasso holding a parasol for Francoise Gilot at Golfe-Juan in 1948. My old wooden toucan and the family parlour guitar make a reappearance as does the maori tattoo design.
In “Part 2” you will see the theme of dance enhanced by Degas, Toulouse Lautrec and Picasso. Elements of my own still life work and figure studies make an appearance. In deference to Ian Dury, I did not use the title “Part 3” so the next in the series was “Part 4”
Part 1 and Part 2 are now sold but “Reasons to be Cheerful, Part IV” will be the centrepiece of my solo exhibition at Fraser Gallery in St Andrews in December. Music by way of the Hot Club de France, theatre represented by Commedia del Arte and art from Degas, Toulouse Lautrec (again) Picasso, Michael Angelo/Peter Blake plus my own figure study. The “Pretty Boy” is a reference to Peter Blake’s wrestler series from the 1970s. The “42” might be a reference to Swing 42 or maybe the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’s definition of the meaning of life, the universe and everything!.
The series is now extending into some smaller pieces of different dimensions, all on show in St Andrews through until mid January.
