Derek English Graphic Origins Exhibition
Venue: pythongallery
When: 29/11/2019 – 31/01/2020
Admission: Free
We would love to warmly invite you to come and experience the dynamic and mesmerising riot of colour and abstract form that is our last exhibition of 2019, featuring new work from much respected local artist Derek English.
Graphic Origins
The earliest influence in my development as an Artist was a Saturday morning ‘O’ level Technical Drawing class. Equipped as I was with my father’s draughtsman’s instruments I found it relatively easy and enjoyed the discipline. Even on a Saturday morning!
Once at College, training to be an “Art” teacher, I fell under the spell of Bridget Riley and Victor Vasarely. I was introduced to masking tape and strong colour and the science of colour manipulation, its relationships and reactions.
My career as an Art teacher however then took priority and my personal art work became based on my love of landscape especially the mountains which I frequently visited with students and friends.
When I retired from teaching I continued to work on mountains as a basis for an MA in fine art and life beyond. Eventually I was drawn back to graphic work still using the, now old, instruments to create the network on which I could once again play with colour contrasts and combinations which would visually challenge an observer. I have always been keen to make the observer respond and react to my work, there is more to it than first meets the eye.
A number of years ago I became ill and was not inclined to continue working. However some gentle persuasion from friends got me back to work in a small way at first and it was fun. Although mostly “colouring in” it got me working again and I was soon making plans for larger pictures that whilst remaining fun were also exciting and visually challenging.
