ART

‘Top of Lonsdale’
– an Exploration

By Jo Ryan

This painting for me is like ‘coming home’ to an idea. I had a concept that I wanted to achieve; ‘make the signage the most prominent feature’ and I think this piece captures that concept. I’ve got to admit there are still elements that I’d like to change but for the most part I’m pretty happy.

The most important lesson from this piece is that I needed to be confident with my own line and vision. The background is painted using freehand aerosol paint so as to achieve a blurry image then over the top I’ve used black and white paint markers. I love the permanence of both these mediums – you can’t go back – once you’ve made that mark there is no way to undo it. It makes you just go for it!

This was absolutely heaven to create, I was thoroughly absorbed in every stage. It was a bit daunting at first to do the freehand painting but once I got into it, I loved it. The marks are so quick and final. The paint markers allowed me to make mistakes, but I didn’t care, each mark was a joy to do.

As I was drawing in the background and referring to my printed reference, I didn’t quite understand what the objects in the image were until I started to draw them, then realised they were stacks of coffee cups in a coffee shop. A reminder that as an artist we can convey more than what a photograph can.

Initially I was compelled to take a photo of this image because in such a small area we have traffic sign graphics and text, temporary road signs, graffiti and signage; several communication devices all in one small area.