WebMarApr2020

34 | www.westendermagazine.com
The Usual Position © Norman Mathieson
Rainy season © Norman Mathieson
paintings are measured in their composition,
showing a deep respect and love for the
landscape and these observations. ‘My world
is a very simple place; well it seems so when
I compare it to the complications felt by
others. When I look at my artwork, I want to
contemplate its uncomplicated simplicity but
not to the point where all the elements have
been paired down to the basic minimal. It’s
important to retain the elements that I feel
represent the episode that I want to depict.
I’m searching for a way to represent the
beautiful moments and memories that touch
my heart when I am surrounded by my world,’
he adds.
Life may have taken Mathieson physically
in a new direction, but he recalls that,
‘although printmaking may not be my main
way of creating artwork now, I think its
influence is strong in my method of working.
I was always interested in the mark making
that could be attained from the various
printmaking techniques, and as a result I
used to make a lot of mono prints.’
The working method for these new
pictures sees him work from drawings and
print outs on Photoshop, which he paints
onto stretched watercolour paper with
watercolour and gouache, building up layers
of paint from rough broad applications of
complimentary colour to more detailed
painting of specific areas of significance.
Adding that, ‘I am very concerned with
the construction of the composition. I look
at ways in which to integrate the various
relevant elements. A car, flying birds, running
dogs. It’s a balancing act between the
volume colour and shape of the objects and
the space that these objects inhabit in the
painting. The use of colour and the method
of painting are my other concerns. The
application of paint is also very quick drying
which allows me to build up layers to create
depth and volume. Adding light colours to
dark areas and vice versa adds volume.’
From once exhibiting regularly in the UK
and around the world, it may have been
some time since we have viewed a Norman
Mathieson exhibition here in Scotland.
For those of us that have being viewing the
works online, seeing them in the gallery
space, over the computer screen is pretty
exciting and will be well worth the wait I am
sure. For those that are new to the pictures
of Mathieson, I urge you drop by the gallery.
Beyond this exhibition, well the journey will
of course continue through the power of the
internet – until of course the next one.
Awaji Drawing showing at Mansfield Park
Gallery 1st – 31st March
mansefieldparkgallery.com
facebook.com/awajidrawing
Let’s Go Home © Norman Mathieson