About
I currently have a studio at The Artworks in my hometown, Halifax, West Yorkshire, mentored by professional artists John Ross, Peter Stanyer and Lauren Iredale. My work is simply about 'The Paint', alternating between both oils and enamels to create contemporary, abstract paintings, which are visually interesting and generate stimulating thoughts to the viewer.
I take my inspiration from images of structures, landscapes. weather patterns and personal travel experiences. Dependent upon my thought process I instinctively work with the paint to create shapes and patterns with a range of rich and vivid blends of colours. After reflection, I then go on to develop these further, working towards a unique and original final composition. When painting with enamels I use rapid hand gestures, with my favourite tools, a 'Plasterers Float' and a 'Builders Trowel'. By both allowing and controlling the flow and mix of paints, dramatic, unique and colourful paintings are generated. In addition
I have started to use a range of mixed media materials to create different surfaces and textures. I have also recently commenced abstracting images from my work, to produce a range of fine quality prints, both open and limited edition. My print 'Prosopon' is currently displayed in the Saatchi on-line gallery in London. In addition I have a collection of large 1 metre square Limited Edition Prints of just 25 prints. I have researched many artists and I am influenced by artists, Mark Rothko, Gerhard Richter, Max Ernst, Serge Poliakoff, Gino Severina, Giacomo Balla, and Umberto Bocciono to name just a few. I hope you enjoy my work and thanks for looking.
Michael Barritt