Bruce Risdon's Signature

Bruce Risdon - Artist's CV

Artists Statement

I was always fascinated when viewing paintings on how the artist with just a few brush strokes could give the impression of a person or object. In my figure studies I attempt to just that. I enjoy the paint, sliding it around and mixing with other hues on the canvas to produce a nose or an eye. Through out history the depiction of the human body has held great reverence and controversy, and little has changed today. The role of feminism in our way of seeing the body has not changed the subject matter of the nude, but more so the way it is depicted, and how we appreciate it. I my work I try to juxtapose the old when the new, by taking a classical nude pose and painting it in a modern, vibrant way. Also I try to give the model a look of strength or even defiance to avoid any kind of objectification. Sometimes there will be a scenario or narrative suggested to give extra depth, or expose an underlying feeling in the painting. Ironically the vast majority of people who offer to pose are women. I think they enjoy being turned into a work of art. When I have an idea for a painting that requires a male model I will often do the pose myself, putting myself in the picture, not so much a self portrait, more assuming a role in the painting.

With landscapes studies I take a similar approach of the old and the new, including ruined buildings juxtaposed with sunbathers and so on. Often painting in the open air or worked up in the studio later, I like to place the figure in the landscape as a record of the experience of the surroundings

Using a loaded brush, and large brush strokes quickly worked on to the canvas in an attempt to achieve an immediate response and to give expression to the piece.

The bright colours and saturated tones are very much the influence of Gauguin, where as decorative elements are from the influence of Matisse. With the figure, Egon Scheile was an early influence, and of course Lucien Freud is a great inspiration.

Solo Exhibitions

Group Exhibitions

Achievements, Experience and Work

Future Plans

I would like to continue mixing the old and the new, finding deeper juxtaposition of landscape and the modern figure. Examining the relationship not only between modern day life with landscape, but also modern day life with that of antiquity in painting. My art is a life long vocation and I hope to continue to paint and exhibit further afield throughout Wales and Great Britain, and abroad. Also I would like to expand my web-site and the availability of prints.

Education

Fine Art degree 2.1
Swansea School of Art
Graduating 1999
President and founder of Arts Society 98-99
Editor of Minkster Babylon society magazine