AlcuinsLibrary

I wrote a bit about this painting regarding my recent collaboration with @BRyderJones @Dominorecordco 'Texture & light, Crail' was painted as part of series of works I painted of the East Coast of Fife, Scotland. The area is more commonly known as the "East Neuk". The area comprises of six historic fishing villages each linked by a coastal footpath and also by road. Crail's timeless stone-built dwellings and cobbled streets make the perfect setting for artistic inspiration. Many artists have found inspiration in Crail and the neighbouring villages of the East Neuk. One of these with the strongest art connection is Pittenweem. It holds a large annual arts festival that's been running for around 40 years. Every year it attracts around 20,000 visitors. Art and the "East Neuk" have clearly become very congruent. Many of my artistic influence comes from the artists of the past, particularly those from around the 19th century. The naturalism and realism movements of that period are a real inspiration to me. A group of artists called "The Newlyn School" were a number of Cornish painters whose focus was the local fishing villages of that area in the 19th century. They have inspired me, leading me to seek out something similar closer to home - the East Neuk was the perfect setting. Prior to painting 'Texture & Light, Crail' I had been studying the works of Vincent Van Gogh. His use of impasto (thickly applied paint) lead me to experiment and try to create a more sculpted three dimensional look in my work. The painting was painted quickly, mostly using a palette knife. I didn't think much of the painting at the time as it was done so quickly. It's fairly small at 40cm x 40cm and was more of an experiment that I almost decided not to share on social media. However, the response when I did was overwhelming. It received tens of thousands of likes and innumerable comments across various platforms. The older I get the more I am starting to realise that great art does not always have to be labour intensive. The painting sold immediately as did many prints of the work that travelled worldwide. Shortly after, Domino Records approached me. One of their artists, Bill Ryder-Jones had spotted 'Texture & light, Crail' and immediately knew this had to be the cover for his latest album. A deal was agreed upon. I am very honoured to say the least. I have had the privilege of listening to his album, 'Iechyd Da' in its entirety before its release. It truly resonates with me. A very honest, raw and thought-provoking piece of work. These are many of the things I am searching for in my own craft so perhaps this is a  fitting collaboration.