The great American artist, Ben Shahn (1898-1969) wrote: “There are two things to paint: things I feel strongly for and things I feel strongly against and I feel very strongly about a lot of things”.
Paul Cezanne (1839 – 1906) wrote: “He unfolds, as a painter, that which has not yet been said; he translates it into absolute terms of painting – something other than reality.”
Vincent Van Gogh (1853 – 1890 ) wrote: “What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?”.
These observations from artists of the stature of Ben Shahn, Paul Cezanne and Vincent Van Gogh have nourished me down the years and, indeed, continue to do so. Long ago, I made a choice, given the opportunity from childhood to develop my talent, that I would pursue image making through drawing, painting and photography and, thanks to the great teaching traditions at Sunderland College of Art and the Royal College of Art, I have been working ever since. In addition, I am grateful for the love and encouragement of my parents and family and that of friends and fellow artists.
If you would like to know about any of the work presented here, please send me an email at john@johnerskine.co.uk or use the Contact John button above.
