Retrospective

In 2017 I was given the opportunity by my son Jon to catalogue my paintings spanning a period of years from the late 60s to the present day. Using his expertise with the camera, all my paintings were photographed and collated under several headings: i) Early Work, ii) The Impressionists, iii) College Years, iv) Local Scenes: Wawne, Beverley and Hull, v) Trips Near and Far, vi) Portraits and vii) Bits and Pieces.

My first introduction to painting was through the Wawne Art Group which had been established earlier by Joyce Birch. Joyce, who had studied at the Slade School of Art, mentored my development in oils. We officially became an art group funded by the local authority, led by Jim Rollinson, the head of art at Longcroft School Beverley. It was Jim who sparked my interest in Impressionism. We displayed our work for several years in the Wawne village school.

On retiring early from teaching, I realised I could pursue my interest in painting full time. After following and completing successfully a two year course for 'A' Level in art at Wilberforce sixth form college, I joined the BTec foundation course in art at the Hull College. This vastly enjoyable and exciting course introduced me to varying areas of art and craft including pottery, printmaking, wire sculpture, wood engraving and intaglio printing. It was here also that I experienced surrealism and in particular the work of Patrick Wallberg, Dali, Ernst, Magritte, Miro and many others.

As part of the course, I visited the Birmingham museums and art gallery and was much impressed by the work of the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood and John Ruskin. This art appeared generally bright and reflected the natural world in contrast to much contemporary academic work. I also made studies of the work of Caspar David Friedrich (1774–1840), Edward Hopper (1882–1967) and Frank Auerbach (b. 1931). I found that my fixation on the impressionists was modified somewhat. It was at this time I met Robert Jones, also a mature student, who has become a lifelong friend and fellow artist.

On completion of the foundation course with a most interesting 'A' Level in Illustration, I gained a place at the Lincoln and Humberside University to study part time a degree in fine art. Regretfully, this course was not so fulfilling, owing in part to the closure of the Hull campus and the ensuing confusion. I have continued, however, to paint in watercolour, oils and acrylics, selecting subjects from trips far and wide.

Into the 90s and the new millennium, Jon and I spend much time together enjoying and exploring the mountains and ridges of the Lake District and Scotland. This kindled a deep interest in the natural world and has been an inspiration for my work in art. I now look forward to my next picture and to many years making art and relaxing in the company of like-minded people.

Chris Brock, November 2017