Impressionism verses abstract

My love of art started when I was a boy. I didn’t have many experiences of visiting art galleries whilst growing up. It probably seemed absurd that art should hang in large rooms with no furniture but artwork taking centre stage for all to admire. I probably realised few people could imagine how it would look in ones home and for some see art as an elitist adventure.

So where and when did I start realising I like specific types of art. As a boy I would visit my grandparents in Sweden. I realised artwork played a big role in furnishing ones home in Scandinavia. Some of the artwork would leave me perplexed and baffled with splashes of colour randomly placed on the canvas or symmetrically formed on the page . It was then I realised I probably lacked the appreciation for some types of art and was taken in by Impressionist art which brings me to today.

I should probably confess this narrow minded view has changed over the years but in general I enjoy illustrations that capture every day life.

Beauty remains in the eye of the beholder.

So what is the inspiration for the locations I paint. In my personal view few places have that picturesque charm. But with the right lighting, angle and focal point that charm can be captured in a painting. I probably spend several days admiring a place trying to see what I’ve missed. Like a film maker choosing a set to tell a story, art is no different. Is there a story to be told and what might it say to the audience.

Some of the scenes i’ve painted are steeped in history and few people probably realise the importance these locations have had on the local community. Let’s take St Saviours Dock for example. When Charles Dickens wrote Oliver Twist he envisaged Bill Sykes walking the board walks with his dog Bulls Eye. To me the location is perfect from an artist perspective but also I love the history. When painting I feel I’m following in the foot steps of past historians.

A positive mind

‘The moment of absolute certainty never arrives.’ is a quote that I feel perfectly sums up a creative life as an artist. No two paintings or drawings are the same and not all your critics will appreciate your work. That said if we all like the same thing we would be a boring bunch.

On drawing the Tower Bridge Amphitheatre scene It’s so easy to imagine one sitting with a snack and chatting to a work colleague. Those special moments are what inspires my artwork. Imagining one is stepping into another persons shoes for a split second but sharing that experience with millions in artwork.

‘Tower Bridge Amphitheatre’ close up of scene by M.Rodwell

My two favourite impressionist artists from the 1800’s.

The list of impressionist artists that I admire are infinite but for the sake of this article I’ve narrowed it down to two from the 1800-1900’s..

Pierre Auguste Renoir ‘Luncheon of the Boating Party’ for his inspiring ability to freeze a moment in time. The colours and composition shoot of the canvas. One can easily absorb oneself imagining a day out with old friends sharing a passionate conversation whilst getting lost in the setting. Renoir a story teller that dreams up such positive vibes.

Claude Monet ‘Café Terrace at Night’ I love his use of colours and again the composition. It takes me back to numerous visits I’ve made to Sacre Coeur Paris over the years with fond memories. His ability to romanticise a French side street leaves me with admiration.