Juxtaposing Styles
These paintings were part of a project involving juxtaposing styles in the context of a painting studio class with an emphasis on nature. I painted “Nature and Civilization” as two outlined figures on two separate canvases who ‘interact’, exploring ‘man’ and ‘woman’ as metaphors and the concept of the male gaze as a way to consider the use of natural resources for expansion. I wanted these figures to be ambiguous and without expression, acting as symbols where an expressive representation of nature rests in contrast with a geometric, altered version of itself staring back at it.
These paintings come together to form a 24″ x 48″ work, where I experimented with painting over tape to form sharp lines. This painting also involved exploration proportion, a challenge which I expanded upon in later works.
These companion pieces were auctioned off as part of the Super Wyatt charity auction in Peterborough, Ontario in the Summer of 2013 to support a local family’s costs while their son received treatment at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto.
“Nature and Civilization” 24” x 48″, acrylic on canvas.
Date: Summer 2011
- Acrylic Painting Techniques
- Process
The Plan
The major challenge I faced in this studio painting class was an absence of portraiture and figure work (something which I often use in my own practice), so while juxtaposing styles I also chose to incorporate my own interests by painting something different than an altered landscape.
Skills
