Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Javier Torices 1968-




















These views of the coasts of Ibiza and Cadiz, by Spanish painter Javier Torices, have been executed in mixed media on board. 
The square format is perfect for interesting cropped-in compositions, close up views of water focussing on the abstract patterns of ripples and reflections. The muted palette brings out striking tonal contrasts which strengthen the design. The contrasts between rough sand or rocks and smooth water, between shimmer and shadow, are particularly effective.
Although work of this level of accuracy is normally based on photographs to some extent, the video on his website shows the painter working both on site and in the studio. In any case there is enough painterliness to make the artist present in the work. Some photorealist painters deliberately seek to remove all trace of themselves from the painting.
These are quite large pieces: 100 x 100cm and 180 x 180 cm.


No comments: