Grant Watson

Statement

Grant Watson works predominately in oil, painting anything that grabs his attention. From buildings, swans and dogs, to shapes and non-figurative forms. Once he finds something that interests him enough, the subject may become a repeated motif, his fixation. An image as simple as fish on a Brixton Market stall can be repeated in different colours, from every conceivable angle, in formal lines or twisting circles. Rather than painting a literal translation of the subject matter, he prioritises sensations, mixing direct observation and memories in an attempt to unearth a sense of magic from everyday scenes.

Method of Working

There is no regular or controlled method to Grant's artistic practice. Instead he relies on intuition. The outcome is rarely known, it can start one way and then transform into something else entirely. At times the process is quick, a sudden spurt of activity where a fully finished painting can emerge from a day's work. Sometimes it can take months of back and forth, jumping between other paintings, layering or scrapping away. With every completed painting a solution is found for an unknown problem.

Grant uses everyday images taken from direct observation and invention, exploring the alchemy of image to paint, paint to touch, touch to texture and form, until something new and unexpected is born. The physical act of painting is also vital to his method. The movements of the paintbrush against canvas and the sounds it makes when contact is made is just as important as colour and form. With often several paintings on the go, he works through a sensory engagement, hoping to discover an emotional intensity that is specific and unique to each subject.