* All images used with permission. Please do not distribute without first contacting the artist.
Neil Douglas was born in Bristol in 1978. He graduated from Wolverhampton University in 2000 with a BA in Painting. Since leaving University, he has exhibited his work in both the U.K and the U.S.A.
Neil describes his work by saying, “In my current body of work I am developing a process that challenges and enhances my visual perception and interpretation of reality. I am looking at the influence of photography and film in my painting, placing a greater emphasis on sketching and observations from life. Using my earlier works as the starting point of my research, I am leaving behind aspects of hyper-realistic representation, whilst maintaining its disciplines, with the aim of finding a fresh stylistic language capable of incorporating modern technologies without relying on them. The ‘urban landscape’ features throughout these new paintings, either as a backdrop or a focal point. I am fascinated by the city, by the textures and forms found in architecture as well as the varying levels of decay in man-made environments. This is clearly reflected in my painting process and especially in my use of mixed media. I apply a variety of materials such as plaster and clay to build up different areas of texture. In doing this I can explore the way color reacts to the surface, how the grain of the medium alters the mark making process, to create different degrees of realism.”