Reviews & Comments
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The recent works have an enigmatic quality to them. The landscapes which derive from the relationship of light and shade, spirit and the mater represent a maturation of an unfolding of new concerns.
This leaves the images open to the interpretation requiring that we imaginatively play with the boundaries that exist between them. In effect, the elusive qualities in the artworks makes us question the subject and object, near and far, as well as the sense of scale. Some of the work appear almost meditative in a subtle use of colouring.
Our perception of the physical space is transcended allowing an experience of space unbounded by the physical. Previous works have had the elements. however, there is now a desire to pare down and focus, giving a sense that less is more.
One can observe a stylistic unity that exists between all the landscape painting, the development of these recent pictures is the role of light and colour. There is a sense that light radiates and suffuses through layers of paint/pastel giving an illusion of depth and mystery, almost as if the source of light comes from behind the canvas/paper. The source of light is expressed by gradations in the saturation of colour. Less saturated colours serve to veil the penetrative quality of light which moves towards us. Giving us a gentle but vital power.-Mark Beavan M.A, Camberwell School of Art, London
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This new collection of paintings by the Artist Paul Bradley, follows the tradition of English Romantic landscape painting. His main inspiration is light and atmosphere and the transformation of light as it diffuses a subject, such as a Venetian scene, a Neapolitan landscape and scenes of the island of Capri in the bay of Naples in Italy. He is a superb colourist and pastelist. Colour is what defines his work when you first come into contact with his pictures. His colours express and evoke various sunlit moods. Combined with soft subtle blending to create an atmosphere of dissolving forms, which gives his work a poetical intensity that is “Turneresque” in spirit. His colours express a particular time of day which reflect the fleeting moment.
The subject and mood are inextricably linked together.
His work appears almost abstract but further exploration you will see an influence from a natural source. Delve deeper beyond the beautiful colours and your will see the art; born of constant observation and exploration. the building up upon layers of paint and refining his work give Bradley’s work a luminosity, freshness, and energy give him his unique palette and individuality as an Artist.”
Angelo Murphy, Gallery Owner, Focus Gallery, Nottingham, May 2016