Paintings inspired by the visual world around us are often described as 'realistic'.
However this terminology does not mean a photographic reproduction or facsimile.
Good realism requires great drawing and observation, but most important the ability to synthesise, select and extract from the subject that which inspires the artist.

The artist should experience and love his subject and bring to his art his perceptiveness, sensitivity and enthusiasm Thus his work will have 'expression', unfortunately a much misused and abused term in today's art.

Bruce has long been inspired by the human nude, a subject explored by artists over the centuries. It is difficult not to compare any figure painting with that of Rubens or Sorolla
And yet Bruce Rowlands sensitive works stand alone in their excellence.

Life drawing has been an art school subject over many years without questions of its existence.
We humans should be able to relate to the rhythms and responding movements of the 'model' and participate with the abstract geometry that the human body presents
The artist also requires the technical competence to put this on his canvas.

It is marvelous in the true meaning of this word that Bruce Rowland shows you this sensitivity and skill with his own hand.

Jocelyn Maughan
Diploma fine art (hons)

‘The European Tradition’, an exhibition by Bruce Rowland opens at Cooks Hill Galleries 6-8pm Friday 20 October, 2017. More information, RSVP and invite your friends here.