Mark Gisbourne

Tag: Oil

  • Elbow

    Elbow

    Elbow, 2017
    Oil and acrylic on canvas
    21×29.7 cm

  • Unveiling “Wave Heart”: A Play with Color and Emotion

    Unveiling “Wave Heart”: A Play with Color and Emotion

    Wave Heart, 2017
    Oil on paper
    21×29.7 cm

    Today, I’m excited to share a recent abstract piece I created called “Wave Heart.” It’s a small oil painting on paper, and while it may not be a masterpiece hanging in a museum, I poured a lot of heart (pun intended!) into it.

    As you might guess from the title, the painting explores the interplay between movement and emotion. The blues and greens always remind me of the ocean, so the swirling brushstrokes became a wave for me. Is it a calm, rolling wave, or a bit more energetic? Honestly, that’s up to you to decide!

    The title “Wave Heart” came about because I felt like the emotions in the painting kind of pulsed throughout it, like a heartbeat under the surface of the wave. Maybe it’s a calm strength, or perhaps a flicker of joy amidst a more serene mood.

    What do you see?

    The beauty of abstract art, for me as the artist and for you the viewer, is that it allows for personal interpretation. What emotions does “Wave Heart” evoke for you? Does the wave movement remind you of a specific experience? Do the colors create a certain mood?

    Let’s chat about it in the comments! I’d love to hear your thoughts and interpretations of this little piece.

  • Chasing Amy: A Title Unveiled

    Chasing Amy: A Title Unveiled

    Chasing Amy, 2017
    Oil on paper
    21×29.7 cm

    Ah, titles. Those enigmatic companions to our artwork, sometimes reflecting the piece perfectly, other times leaving us with a delightful sense of mystery. Today, I want to delve into the title of one of my recent oil paintings on paper: “Chasing Amy.”

    Now, for film buffs out there, this title might conjure images of the cult classic “Chasing Amy” by Kevin Smith. But fear not, cinephiles, this painting has nothing to do with comics, broken hearts, or Jay and Silent Bob.

    So, what exactly is being chased in “Chasing Amy”? The truth is, it’s entirely up for grabs. The beauty of an open-ended title lies in its ability to spark conversation, to invite viewers on a personal journey through the artwork.

    Here are a few interpretations that danced in my head while creating the piece:

    • Movement: Perhaps the title refers to the sense of movement captured in the painting. Is there a figure in pursuit? A fleeting moment being captured on paper?
    • Light and Shadow: Maybe it’s the interplay of light and shadow, the constant chase between illumination and obscurity within the piece.
    • The Elusive Muse: Could “Amy” represent the elusive muse, the inspiration that artists forever chase and capture in fleeting moments?
    • Something Entirely Different: Or maybe “Amy” is a personal reference, a secret whispered on the paper, a meaning known only to me.

    But what truly excites me is the opportunity for you, the viewer, to chase your own “Amy” within the painting. What do you see? What story does the title evoke for you?

  • A Glimpse into the Abstract: Descending Sky I

    A Glimpse into the Abstract: Descending Sky I

    Descending Sky I, 2017
    Oil on paper
    21×29.7 cm

    As an artist, I’m always drawn to the power of titles to elevate an abstract work. My recent oil painting on paper, “Descending Sky I,” is a case in point. While the swirling colors and textures invite individual interpretation, the title itself offers a captivating prompt. Let’s delve into the possibilities that “Descending Sky I” evokes.

    The title “Descending Sky I” hints at a narrative, a movement within the painting. Is it a literal sky, perhaps a stormy expanse with swirling blues and grays collapsing inwards? Or is it a shift in perspective, a vast celestial dome coming closer as we tilt our heads upwards?

    Abstract art often reflects emotions, and “Descending Sky I” is no exception. The use of cool colors and the downward motion implied by the title could suggest a sense of introspection or melancholy, a somber mood settling over the viewer. Perhaps it’s a meditation on impermanence, a reminder of the ever-changing nature of the world around us.

    The “I” after “Descending Sky” sparks curiosity. Is this the first in a series? If so, each piece could offer a glimpse into a different descending sky, a unique exploration of emotions and movement.

    Ultimately, the beauty of abstract art lies in its ability to ignite the viewer’s imagination. What story does “Descending Sky I” tell you? Does it evoke a sense of peace or disquiet? Do you see a celestial event or something more symbolic?

    Share your interpretations!

    Let’s use the comments section below to delve deeper into this captivating piece. By sharing our thoughts and perspectives, we can all add to the richness of the experience. After all, abstract art is a conversation starter, and “Descending Sky I” sets the stage for a fascinating exploration.

  • Tin Can Railway Coach

    Tin Can Railway Coach

    Tin Can Railway Coach, 2010
    Oil on paper
    21×29.7 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.