Contemporary Art in Cranbrook and the Weald

Lot 18 Dani Humberstone

        Charity Auction in Aid of the children of Haiti The Lots

Lot: 18

Artist:  Dani Humberstone

Title: Orange square

Medium:  oil on canvas

Framed size: 36cm x 47cm

Price range of artists similar works: £220 - £650

To leave a bid on this artwork email: Lot 18 Dani Humberstone

NB this artwork features in a book by the artist "How to paint Abstracts"

a copy of which is offered with this lot.

About the artist:

The majority of my current work is based on a personal form of abstract

expressionism. A style of abstract art originally centred largely in New

York in the mid 1950’s, many of the exponents being Russian or

European immigrants.

Many of the artists had a general interest in myth as a way into

understanding the human psyche, the forces of nature and the "human

condition". Artists of the time included: Marc Rothko, Jackson Pollock,

Robert Motherwell, Lee Krasner, Clyfford Still, Willem de Kooning and

Barnett Newman.

I am drawn to this movement because it is how I work instinctively. I am

led through the process of making a painting, balancing colour and form.

I use very strong colours - juxtaposed, in harmony or as a glaze, using

the relationship and tension this creates to give the painting its energy. I

like to suggest a light source coming from within the work itself.

As a painter it is my aim to communicate in a direct and personal way.

Colour is an immediate language that is more felt than comprehended

and allows the artist to speak with subtlety and strength.

I don't usually make sketches (unless required to do so by a client) or

even pre-plan paintings and work directly with paint on to the canvas.

Beauty is hugely important to me and essential in my work. Making a

painting that is both beautiful and powerful is at the heart of what I do.

My current work combines realism with an element of the abstract, as a

way to describe this work I call it “Synchromatic Realism”. For me the

work indicates “the acceptance of difference”, with the subjects acting as

a mutual reply and inspiration to each other.

The result is an almost surreal image. I have chosen to place the

subjects in a 17th century inspired background. I use candlelight as the

principal light source, which gives a strong warm light and throws very

dark shadows. The darker background colours project the painted

subjects forward.

I would like the observer to be part of the process of making art. The

feelings inspired by the painting make it a personal experience whilst

giving it both validity and significance.

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