Stephen Oliver: Different Horizons
4th January to 25th January 2013
Open eve. Wed 9th January 7-9pm
Nature plays a large part in my work – I am particularly fascinated by skies and stretching perspectives. Be it figurative or abstract, I very often include a familiar shape from the natural world. In this exhibition I display both realistic and abstract forms, presenting them using various techniques in oil, acrylic, or watercolour.
Stephen Oliver: Artist’s Statement
Being creative is something that has been with me for most of my life. In my teens I was an enthusiastic amateur photographer, and I have been involved with drawing and colour for many years. Trained locally, and supported with self-tuition, I now concentrate on painting and drawing. Artists such as Kurt Jackson and Gerhard Richter influence my ideas.
I prefer not to have an exact image in my mind of how a finished piece will look — it has to evolve as I work. I try to achieve a loose interpretation of the subject, allowing the viewer to use their imagination. I enjoy working with my hands, palette knives and other tools to create movement and texture.
I have exhibited at the Historic Dockyard, Chatham, and been commissioned by ASDA to paint three very large canvases of the QEII Bridge, Brooklands Lakes, Dartford, and Greenhithe in the Community Room at their distribution centre in Dartford. I also have my own gallery and studio in the Orchards Centre, Dartford where I exhibit and sell my work.
Website and blog www.stephen-oliver.co.uk