Mark Gisbourne

Category: Paintings

  • Thru Ochre Umber

    Thru Ochre Umber

    Thru Ochre Umber, 2006
    Acrylic on canvas
    25×30 cm x 3
    Private collection

  • Silver Beach Night

    Silver Beach Night

    Silver Beach Night, 2006
    Acrylic on canvas
    25×30 cm
    Private collection

  • Corona Extra

    Corona Extra

    Corona Extra, 2006
    Acrylic and texture on canvas
    60×90 cm
    Private collection

  • Rise

    Rise

    Rise, 2006
    Acrylic on canvas

  • Naive Fast Beach Study

    Naive Fast Beach Study

    Naive Fast Beach Study, 2006
    Acrylic on canvas sheets
    22.8×30.4 cm x 3

  • Caramel Mix

    Caramel Mix

    Caramel Mix, 2005
    Acrylic on canvas
    Each canvas 30×30 cm
    Private collection

    Caramel Mix: A Triptych in Earthy Tones

    This triptych, titled “Caramel Mix,” explores the subtle nuances of earthy tones, creating a sense of calm and quiet contemplation. Divided into three panels, the artwork invites the viewer to consider the interplay of color, texture, and composition across the individual pieces and as a unified whole.

    The dominant palette is, as the title suggests, a range of caramel hues. These warm, earthy tones evoke feelings of natural landscapes, perhaps sandy deserts, rolling hills, or even the smooth surface of polished wood. The variations within the caramel range – from light, creamy shades to deeper, richer browns – create depth and visual interest.

    The composition across the three panels is key to the work’s overall effect. While each panel can stand alone as an abstract study in texture and color, they are clearly designed to be viewed together. The horizontal lines that run across the panels create a sense of continuity and movement, drawing the eye from one section to the next. The lighter band that traverses the composition acts as a horizon line, grounding the abstract shapes and suggesting a sense of landscape, albeit an abstracted one.

    The texture of the paint is also noteworthy. The brushstrokes appear loose and expressive, adding a tactile quality to the work. There’s a sense of movement within the paint itself, as if the colors are still shifting and blending. This adds a dynamic element to what could otherwise be a static composition.

    “Caramel Mix” is not a representational piece in the traditional sense. It doesn’t depict a specific place or object. Instead, it invites the viewer to engage with the colors and textures, to find their own interpretations and associations. The warm, earthy tones and the subtle variations in light and shadow create a sense of tranquility, inviting contemplation and reflection. The triptych format enhances this experience, encouraging the viewer to consider the relationships between the individual panels and the larger composition.

    This piece is an exploration of the beauty found in simplicity and the power of color to evoke emotion and create atmosphere.

  • The Beginning Of Time

    The Beginning Of Time

    The Beginning Of Time, 2004
    Acrylic and texture on canvas
    76×76 cm
    Private collection

    Unveiling the Cosmos: A Journey to the Beginning of Time

    The concept of the beginning of time has captivated humanity for millennia. It’s a question that sparks philosophical debates and ignites scientific curiosity. While we may never definitively know what transpired before the first sliver of a second, modern physics offers a compelling theory: The Big Bang.

    The Primordial Spark

    The Big Bang theory posits that our universe emerged from an incredibly hot, dense state roughly 13.8 billion years ago. Imagine all the matter and energy in the universe compressed into a singularity, a point of infinite density and temperature. In a fraction of a second, this singularity rapidly expanded and cooled, triggering the creation of fundamental particles and the forces that govern them.

    Inflation: A Brief But Crucial Stretch

    Within the first moments of the Big Bang, the universe underwent a period of incredibly rapid expansion called inflation. This inflationary epoch is thought to have stretched the universe exponentially, setting the stage for the formation of large-scale structures like galaxies and clusters.

    Cooling Down and Coming Together

    As the universe continued to expand and cool, the fundamental forces separated, allowing for the formation of protons, neutrons, and electrons. These particles eventually combined to form the first atoms, primarily hydrogen and helium. Over vast stretches of time, gravity pulled these atoms together, forming giant clouds that eventually collapsed under their own weight, igniting the first stars.

    Beyond the Big Bang: Mysteries Remain

    The Big Bang theory is incredibly successful in explaining the large-scale evolution of our universe. However, there are still significant mysteries surrounding the very first moments.

    • What caused the Big Bang? The theory doesn’t explain what triggered the expansion from the singularity.
    • What happened before the Big Bang? Our current understanding of physics breaks down at the singularity.
    • Did inflation really happen? While there is strong evidence supporting it, there’s no direct observation of inflation.

    The Search for Answers Continues

    Scientists are constantly searching for answers to these fundamental questions. By studying the cosmic microwave background radiation, a faint echo of the Big Bang, and developing new theories like string theory, we may one day gain a deeper understanding of the very beginning of time.

    The Beginning of Time: A Gateway to Wonder

    The exploration of the universe’s origin is a humbling and awe-inspiring journey. It reminds us of our place in the grand scheme of existence and the vastness of time itself. While we may not have all the answers, the very act of seeking them pushes the boundaries of human knowledge and opens doors to even more profound questions about the nature of reality.

  • 100% Human Tested

    100% Human Tested

    100% Human Tested, 1989
    Gouache on paper mounted on card
    42×59.4 cm

  • Red Rum Wins The 1973 Grand National

    Red Rum Wins The 1973 Grand National

    Red Rum Wins The 1973 Grand National, 2018
    Oil on canvas
    21×29.7 cm
    Private collection

    Talk about a Comeback: Red Rum Steals the Show at the 1973 Grand National

    The Grand National. A grueling test of horse and jockey, a splash of chaos, and a whole lot of mud. But in the annals of this legendary race, few victories shine brighter than Red Rum’s thunderous win in 1973.

    This wasn’t your average race. Picture this: Red Rum, a nine-year-old gelding with a bit of a rogue reputation, trails behind for most of the course. The crowd is buzzing, everyone’s eyes glued to the favorite, Crisp, who seems to have a comfortable lead.

    But then, something magical happens. Red Rum, with jockey Charlie Thornton on his back, turns on the afterburners. He surges forward, defying fatigue and doubt, neck and neck with Crisp in a heart-stopping final stretch. The crowd goes wild, the ground seems to tremble, and… Red Rum explodes across the finish line first!

    This wasn’t just a win. It was a record-shattering victory. Red Rum obliterated the course record by a whopping 23 seconds, a feat that wouldn’t be surpassed for another 17 years!

    But Red Rum’s story doesn’t end there. He would return to conquer the Grand National twice more, in 1974 and 1975, becoming a national treasure and a symbol of unwavering determination.

    The 1973 win wasn’t just a sporting triumph, it was a cinematic moment. It showed that even when you’re down in the dirt, with the odds stacked against you, a surge of heart and a little bit of luck can propel you to victory.

    So, next time you’re facing a challenge, remember Red Rum. Dig deep, find that extra gear, and who knows, you might just surprise yourself (and everyone else) with an epic comeback of your own.