Chris Rose SWLA

Statement

Chris Rose is inspired by the light, colours, textures and patterns which are found in nature; often in the most ordinary and overlooked corners of the landscape. Although his style is very representational there is often a strong abstract element underpinning the design.

Methodology

Chris paints in oils or acrylics, usually on MDF board which is sanded and primed with acrylic gesso. He also sometimes work on paper. Chris works primarily from field sketches and small paintings, supplemented by photographs which record structural details of the landscape that he often doesn't have time to capture. Open air paintings are done in acrylics and usually take no more than a few hours to complete. Chris makes numerous pencil sketches of birds, and some other animals, using binoculars and a telescope. He has found that repeated drawing of a subject eventually brings a detailed understanding of its structure, form and movement, so that he can eventually capture its character - or, what bird watchers call ‘jizz’. Whilst working in the field, ideas begin to form about the nature and composition of a resulting studio painting. A design is worked out on scrap paper in the studio and then the hard work begins...

Bio

1959 Born, 27th August in Uganda

1979 - 1981 BSc Hons Biology, Nottingham University

1981 - 1982 Illustrator for the Dorset Heritage Coast Project

1983 Elected as a member of the SWLA

2004 Elected to the FBA board of Governors