The Miro Variations 

GENESIS The inspiration for this series of abstracts came from the works of Spanish artist Joan Miro. One day, whilst looking up on my studio wall, I saw the striking resemblance between this photograph of me in my convocation gown and the calendar picture of one of Miro's paintings, "Woman in the Night". This prompted me to study his work in greater detail. I found that I like Miro's strong yet simple forms and imagery, his use of bold primary colours and black paint, and letting the subconscious mind take over. Black features in all the works in this exhibition. After years of mixing colours to make the darker tones and shadows, I found Miro's use of black very seductive.  Taking out my unused tube of black paint was like a child holding forbidden candy. Facing each white canvas with a brush loaded with black paint was both scary and liberating.

Me

Click on the image to see it in detail

Miro's Version of Me aka "Woman in the Night"

	As well as Miro's influence, two themes are present throughout the exhibition. The first is music related and stems from my enjoyment of classical music.  I attend the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Music Society's concerts regularly. "The Emperor Concerto", was painted the day after attending the NZSO's performance of Beethoven's piece.
The Emperor Concerto

Moonlight Sonata	Apassionata

The second theme is Space. These particular works were begun around the time of Mir's re-entry into Earth's atmoshpere, and Dennis Tito’s becoming the first space tourist.
	Mir Cash Cow	Mir Space Tourist

Mir Sighting	Bad Moon Rising-sold

"For Aaron" is a painting for my step-grandson, who was born on 27 February 2001. It tells him something about his late grand-father, Michael, & of his journey from England to New Zealand and his life here. NFS

Send in the Clown -sold	Magician

Matador	Ringmaster