It’s been a long journey; it all began in 1990 with a simple picture, discovered in a book of England, given me by my parents. As with many of my paintings it doesn’t take much stimulus to spark the imagination, in this case, just a simple white structure overlooking the ocean. One might ask, “Why?” That’s difficult to answer; it’s emotional and deeply rooted, probably due to my English heritage, having been born in southwest England overlooking the ocean. Additionally, not only the subject but its point of view and composition with those contrasting diagonals and horizontals, had an important influence.
Considering all that, it was that chance encounter with a photo that sparked what would become a series of paintings spanning thirty-three years. (Click images to enlarge)
This is the photo that started it all…from the “Picture Book of Britain in Colour-1”
My first attempt at reinterpreting the subject. “Onward Toward Distant Lands” – 18″ x 24″ – Oil (1990)
Eleven years after my first attempt, I revisited the subject with a flurry of ideas. The two studies below are too closely aligned with the photograph so I found them to be less interesting than others that followed during the month of December 2001. By the way, all the studies were done on heavy archival paper, 5.5″ x 8.5″. The paper received one coat of gesso. Images are not large…in the 4″ x 6″ range. I love working small like this because I feel less hindered and free to express whatever comes to mind with little investment of time…that makes them easier to reject when something better comes along.
Most of the studies were done in December of 2001 but not developed into larger works until 2008. However in 2003, “One Enchanting Evening” was created from a January 2002 color study.
“One Enchanting Evening” – 30″ x 20″ – Oil (2003)
Two more interpretations of the subject were done in 2008, uniquely different from one another.
“Coastal Hamlet” – 30″ x 24″ – Oil (2008)
“Cornish Coast” – 16″ x 16″ – Oil (2008)
It would be two more years before doing another study of the subject, and three years before creating the enlargement.
“Cornish Promontory” – 30″ x 24″ – Oil (2011)
And finally, concluding this thirty-three year journey is the painting “Coastal Light”, done from another December 2001 study. I actually began this painting exactly six years ago to the month…totally different from all the others, and maybe the most difficult; that’s why it hung around my studio for so long quietly nagging at me. It went through so many rub outs and changes before arriving at its final statement.
“Coastal Light” – 24″ x 40″ – Oil (2023)
I hope you’ve enjoyed following along on this journey with me. I must say, it’s nice to put it to bed. I never feel satisfied with a project left undone. Although it’s taken thirty-three years, it’s very interesting to look back and see what was accomplished. My favorite from the group? I lean toward “Cornish Promontory.”
All the paintings are sold except for this final one, “Coastal Light”. However, all the studies are available for purchase if you’d like one. Contact me if interested: john@pototschnik.com
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