Tropical Totem Gallery

Oceania No.5 - Russell Jones Oceania No. 6 - Russell Jones Oceania No. 7 - Russell Jones  

At least, as I start the last week of treatment, Ive had time to create. I'm encouraged by the new path I've discovered (with one eye on Matisse). A series of artworks in the Oceania theme is something I thought about a few years ago, and until recently was too busy to develop. Download Here for just $6.49. Oceania No 2. - Russell Jones

The best thing about digital art is the ability one has to change your mind and your direction when starting a piece of art. My recent purchase of a Cintique tablet changed my direction and allowed the exploration of various techniques I've used it here to create " Moonlight Dip 1 and 2".  Anything that allows me to get my ideas down on paper is a good thing. Moonlight Dip 1 - Russell Jones Moonlight Dip 2 - Russell Jones  

The Red Studio by Henri Matisse has been a favourite of mine for the same reasons I love Brett Whitley's work. My eye keeps landing on the blank area in the middle of the canvas and then darts off to explore various elements of the studio, before putting it away for another day. The Red Studio - Henri Matisse I have the same fun with Whiteley's Self Portrait. Self Portrait - Brett Whiteley   I recently discovered a couple sketches I did after a trip to Los Angeles. I was a bit surprised to see that my infatuation with this style began those many years ago... Los Angeles 1 - Russell Jones Los Angeles 2 - Russell Jones And today... LA point of View - Russell Jones

Travelling along a path, following the road signs written in Whitley and Matisse-like language, I am trying to avoid my early learnings: signs directing me to layout principles and composition structure. They flash at me in neon as I tear on by, focussing on my goal. In fact there's a real excitement and freedom in racing down a track to an unknown destination. "Cockatoo Exhibit" could be the first of a series of works using colours of the outback dust, the whirly winds, the untold tales of Gondwanaland, and the almost hidden wildlife, mixed up in a medium that is a far cry from all those things. Cockatoo Exhibit And if you would like to share, please visit my  Etsy Shop.

I've always been inspired by Brett Whiteley. It is his complete disregard for conventional composition that I like. Elements in his paintings slip to the bottom of the frame. I love his disproportionate human figures, the odd scale of objects and the free style of his line work. He also teaches me that it's no shame to be inspired by the works of others. I think his inspiration came from Matisse and in some instances, Van Gogh. Therefore, I am at peace with the idea of being inspire by both. Were they all alive today, I have no doubt that some of their work, at least, would be digital. I have made a decision to create all my work that way, and have begun this way. Los Angeles Point Of View Not only a painting, but a slice of life, a story. You, the viewer should not be frustrated because you don't know the story. It is your story to tell. Make of it what you will. That's how I intend to approach my art. Enjoy. And if you would like to share, please visit my Etsy Shop.