Paul Stone: Still Life - October 2011

'I am delighted to be presenting my second solo show at Gallerytop, particularly after such a rewarding first show in 2010. While my main focus continues to be the subject of still life, combining traditional compositions with a contemporary presentation, I now feel confident enough to experiment with scale and technique, resulting in what I hope will be an enjoyable and inspiring new show.

      

    

               

   

       

        

      

It was while completing studies in art history during the mid-1990’s that Paul Stone realised he had the aptitude and ambition to be a painter, having been inspired by many of the artists he was studying at the time. Over the next ten years he continued to paint, appearing in many group shows, but always managing to hold down other employment to fund his painting. However, it was his move to Sheffield in 2003 that was to prove the catalyst for an exciting and developing art practice. Since 2008 Paul has focused full time as a professional artist, exhibiting around the country, gathering awards and commissions along the way. Paul paints in oils in the style of classical realism, with an accomplished use of light and shade to create a sense of texture and atmosphere to his work. The plain backgrounds of his still life compositions only serve to heighten the focus on the objects, seeking the viewer to reappraise the everyday and the familiar. Composition is a core consideration in the work, with Paul seeking a balance and harmony that recall 17th Century Dutch and Spanish still life artists, and more recent personal favourites such as William Nicholson.

'The last 12 months have been eventful, not only relocating to a new studio, and winning two more awards, but also presenting work in Art Fairs around the world - very encouraging for myself as an artist, pushing me to pursue higher and more challenging levels of painting excellence.

Gill and Keith at Gallerytop continue to offer support, guidance and opportunities to display new paintings, and I remain confident that this exhibition will be displayed to its full potential by gallery owners with a genuine love for the artworks'.