Stephen Simpson | Opus: A Decade In The Making

Stephen Simpson | Opus: A Decade In The Making

A D E C A D E I N T H E MA K I NG

Celebrating ten years with Castle Fine Art, Opus: A Decade in the Making brings together elements from Stephen Simpson’s most popular works for a selection of original paintings that, in his own words, is “a contemporary take on a classical subject.”

“It encompasses all that I have learned,” says Stephen, whose inspirations include the French modernist painter Édouard Manet and the pioneering American artist Georgia O’Keeffe. “I started my career painting purely abstract work, then it moved on to abstract landscapes and floral art. I merge a few genres together, which makes my work what it is.”

The dazzling array of large-scale canvasses depicts some of the world’s most beautiful flowers, including roses, hibiscuses, poppies and sunflowers. Created by hand in Stephen’s studio in Middlesbrough, the textured oil paintings illustrate a more hedonistic approach than previous releases. Stephen adds: “Words that I would use to

describe this new work are: opulent, bold, colourful, earthy, layered, abstract, impressionistic, and expressionistic. “I’ve tried to be a lot more loose and freer with my palette knife and brushes to make these paintings more expressive. The contrast of the bold colours and organic shapes against the sculptural forms strikes a chord with me. This collection is cheerful, romantic and uplifting…everything you’d

expect floral art to be.” Drawing upon the creative freedom that the COVID-19 pandemic gave him, Stephen explored this classical genre, which has been seminal throughout art history, including ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics of lotus flowers and Vincent van Gogh’s sunflower paintings. The artworks’ Latin and French titles can be translated to uplifting words like ‘live’, ‘sunny’ and ‘charming’, symbolising the

pleasure his art brings to a home. Stephen says: “After the year that we’ve all had, first and foremost I want people to smile when they see the work. I want them to be happy. I want to evoke an emotional response, like when you receive flowers in real life. Everyone can relate to floral paintings on some level. I think floral art is timeless and will never go out of style.”

Discover more about the collection online or at your local Castle Fine Art gallery.

BROWSE COLLECTION

“Words that I would use to describe this new work are: opulent, bold, colourful, earthy, layered, abstract, impressionistic, expressionistic, loose and free.”

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“The abstract nature of my work sparks a connection by allowing the viewer to determine the flowers they see using their own memories. It could be as simple as a specific colour or form.”

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FEATURED ART: JUST A KISS II , SAPPHIRUS

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ORIGINS (2014)

EFFLORESCENCE (2018)

OPUS (2021)

“Before, I’d use a modelling paste to add the heavy 3D texture to my work, but now I’ve changed that for a super-heavy acrylic gel, which has a much more painterly texture. This works a lot better on canvas than modelling paste; in essence, it’s a thick acrylic paint without any pigment. “I then add the colour to it before applying with a palette knife. The acrylic underpainting – a base layer for the next layers of paint – is coated in oil paint to soften some sections and add detail to others.

NEW STYLE

SYMPHONY (2020)

EMPORIO ARMANI IN-STORE EVENT (2019)

SYMPHONY (2020)

OPUS (2021)

“I now coat my work in a high-gloss oil varnish rather than resin. Because I’m working on canvas rather than board, I found that the resin covered up a lot of the more detailed, textural aspects due its viscosity and depth when dry. I think it was

a brave choice to move away from resin, which I’ve used since the start of my career. “It’s still instantly recognisable as my work, which is something I was conscious of while developing this new style.”

We joined Stephen at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Set across 15 acres of outdoor space, this floral paradise features over 7,000 flowers and trees from around the world. With peacocks freely roaming the grounds and glasshouses transporting visitors everywhere from the Mediterranean to tropical rainforests, it was the perfect setting to find out more about Stephen’s new collection. Watch our exclusive video to find out more.

WATCH INTERVIEW

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“The contrast of the bold colours and organic shapes against the sculptural forms strikes a chord with me.”

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A D E C A D E I N T H E MA K I NG

The images contained within this literature are an artistic representation of the collection. To best experience our art, we recommend you contact your local gallery to arrange a viewing. © Washington Green 2021. The content of this brochure is subject to copyright and no part can be reproduced without prior permission.