Reflections in a Wine Bar

In 1979 I was in a group of Aussies that patronised “Finots Wine Bar in London. It was the first time I’d seen a bench mounted corkscrew and I’ve never forgotten my first impression of it. Later I would see them in action in Hong Kong, Los Angeles and a few other bars. When I saw one in an op shop, I couldn’t resist buying it with a view to painting a version that played to its artistic strengths.

This painting is a “preliminary painting/study/artists impression”. For me art has been a challenge to continually improve myself. Each painting is an attempt to improve on the last as I seek my ultimate goal to paint hyperrealistically. This comes with the additional challenge to also try to paint more complex compositions. My original plan was to include at least one bottle, cork/s, glassware and more, however, I wasn’t sure that I had the requisite skills so decided to do a preliminary painting. The painting was completed beyond my expectations.

While this painting is a preview of what I hope to achieve, it is still a very strong, and for me an important piece. All the hallmarks of a polish piece are incorporated into this work.

For interest, I painted this piece mainly using a 10/0 brush. These brushes are about 5mm long and about 1mm wide. Needless to say this art took some time to complete. One of the brushes I used in creating this painting is included.

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I have always loved art from my earliest understanding of it. I started painting at the age of six and rarely stopped. I was influenced early with realism and have tried to replicate life as closely as possible. I love all subjects and I guess that's why I don't paint just a single topic like aviation, marine, wildlife or still life. I try and immerse myself with reflections and creating form using light. I also love painting things that nature has taken a nice chunk out of.

I enjoy the works of Frans Hals‚ as well as the modern masters such as John Seerey-Lester‚ Salvador Dali, Banksy and lately Tjalf Spaarnay and Luigi Benedicenti who are hyperrealist artists.

I have always painted my own reality. I paint what grabs by attention and I've always painted things that were part of my life. That's why you'll see such a broad range of subjects in my paintings such as wine, trains, boats, aircraft and food. I paint what's nearby or relevant to me. The majority of my work is now still life, in particular I like to paint wine.

My work can be found in collections in Australia and worldwide. I'm always grateful for any "likes" given, it helps me feel as though someone has enjoyed my work.

If you would like to work together on a project email me: [email protected]

Thank you for your time
Rob