ART WORKS with Rachel Beaver
W
ith chilly Christmas nearly upon us I’d like to share with you the work of two of the very hottest contemporary artists. Not a snowman or robin in sight, but either of these painters’ limited editions would make spectacular Christmas gifts, particularly for the teenager who has everything.
Todd White
an American bestseller Todd White’s stylish and distinctive figurative artwork has won him an international reputation that keeps on growing. Described as ‘America’s coolest artist’ and compared in fame to Warhol himself, White’s paintings captivate people, often invoking laughter and always demanding repeated viewings. By revealing his subjects’ innermost feelings, he creates timeless scenes of attraction and intimacy. Beneath the exaggerated features and textured skin of his characters there is a truth that we can all recognise – both theirs and ours. Henley-on-Thames 10 Duke Street, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1UP Tel: 01491 577 215 Reading Minster Street, Reading, RG1 2JB Tel: 0118 959 0900 Chiswick 255A Chiswick High Road, Chiswick, London, W4 4PU Tel: 0208 987 0400 Harpenden 32 High Street, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 2SX Tel: 01582 462 222 Marlow The Brewery House, 74 High Street, Marlow, Bucks, SL7 1AH Tel: 01628 477 785
Todd is a compulsive observer of detail, always studying and absorbing figures, faces and features. He spends his life people-watching – scribbling down sketches whatever the situation (often on napkins or even tablecloths) to record an idea for his next work. While his subjects come from everyday life, his perspective is so unusual that he alters the way we perceive people and the roles we play around each other. He studies body language, using its nuances to capture the subtleties of what we show and what we hide. Born in 1969 in Texas, Todd relocated to Hollywood in his twenties and worked in animation, developing characters at some of the most renowned production studios in the country. He was even part of the lead team for the international hit cartoon series SpongeBob SquarePants. During this period Todd started to forge his artistic style by experimenting with colours and concepts. He eventually arrived at the working method that now guides him through every piece. He always names his pieces first, visualises faces and personalities, then develops each person’s story. In fact, he doesn’t paint at all until he can conceptually see that story in his head. And he always tells it as directly as possible – what isn’t necessary to the story does not go on the canvas. Hands are a focal point as he has always been impressed by how powerfully and expressively tiny gestures can amplify an actor’s performance. ‘Everyone’s hands are full of personality,’ says Todd, ‘They reflect the subject’s state of mind almost as much as facial expressions.’ Todd has been the official artist of the Grammy Awards and, in 2009, was invited by Warner Bros. to contribute the centrepiece of a major design exhibition celebrating the 70th Anniversary of The Wizard of Oz (later snapped up by Sylvester Stallone). Following a string of record-breaking shows in the UK, Todd returned to the US to even greater acclaim, and has become one of the world’s most collectable and successful living artists, with original oils fetching up to £75,000 and finding their way into the homes of such Hollywood icons as Sharon Stone and Michael Douglas. And early next year Todd White will be visiting our galleries (watch this space for where and when), but you don’t have to wait until then to view some fine limited edition prints.
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