Like a blade of green grass pushing its way into the light, adding the first vibrant colour of spring, the Artym Gallery presents a show which explores the nuance and subtlety of black and white, with the drama of an added splash of colour. The gallery is pleased to present work from 16 selected artists in the latest Artym artist challenge exhibition.
Having been involved with the previous Black and White show, artist Cameron Bird can talk about the difficulties inherent in painting with a limited palate: “The challenge is to create the same impact that colour can provide. If the values are off the painting doesn’t read right and the whole scene is flat and dead.”
But for Cameron, the ability to add a bit of colour is essential.
“Adding a splash of colour really allowed an extra punch as well as a focal point which can sometimes be difficult with black and white…hopefully I didn’t cheat too much with the splash of colour,” he said.
Artist Neil Swanson found that adding a splash of colour was a bit of a mixed blessing, “colour can both harmonize with, or muddle the essence of an idea… it was a challenge to present the duality of black and white with a nuance of [colour].”
The selected painters participating in the show paint in a wide range of styles, with varied techniques and mediums, ensuring an interesting range of approaches to the challenge — each painter adapts their own style to create an incredible piece.
“I tried to use my colour in strategic spots so it would mean more and stand out to the viewer,” said Katerina Mertikas. “In art, ‘less is more’.”
The remainder of the gallery will feature the more typical works from the participating artists.
The Black and White show opening is Saturday, March 30th from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The paintings will remain on the walls until April 7th. View the show online at artymgallery.com. Do you have a question for the gallery or one of the artists about the challenges of painting in Black and White? Or something else? Post it to the Artym via Facebook or Twitter!
— Contributed by Deanna Berrington