Alan Wolton
Alan Wolton was born in England in 1934.
He launched art as a professional artist at the early age of 20. He is
indulging in an artistic freedom brought about by his years of
development and the confidence of maturity. Following international recognition, his paintings now show a revised simplicity of statement. Concerns of what should or should not be, now lie in the shadows of Wolton´s history. Free spirited expression is difficult to judge, for
not being a science but an art, there is no yardstick. New concepts of design and sometimes minimalism, often of an old theme,
may take a moment to appreciate. Yet always the freshness of a new
approach serves to keep Wolton's devotees on pins and needles
waiting to see the latest work.
Most of the early years were spent working plein air. Oil paints, easel
and often large canvasses were carried into the wilds to render a
conviction of truth. An expression of moving water was frequently the
motivation for paintings. Rivers, rapids and the ocean have all been Mr
Wolton´s companions.
1975 brought a new direction to his work as he launched into painting
cathedrals in London plein air. His canvasses were of necessity limited
to five feet as the larger dimension, as nothing bigger would fit into
a London taxi. These works were published with articles by the artist
in the Pitman publication, "The Artist."
Wolton likes to feel he can paint any subject, although today
working largely in his American studio, he definitely has his favorite
models. Water lily themes and studies of the canals of Venice, are at
the present time, the artist feels, right at his fingertips. Technically Wolton´s work is unquestionable. His list of credentials
and exhibitions over the years is very impressive.
A clean canvas begins with a very simple line drawing in paint. This is
followed with vast areas of very thin transparent oil color. The works
grow toward completion with powerful statements of loaded impastos and
highlights. An artist friend of stature, once commented, "Alan paints
both very thin and very thick on the one canvas."
Of himself he says, "I have never specifically attempted to follow a
trend, the style of my work has come naturally. I choose to be a free
spirit and paint with emotion. I like my paintings to stop passers-by
who had only by accident caught a glimpse of the picture. What they see
should be breath-takingly different, delightfully fresh, something
emotionally appetizing and a joy. A little stimulation in a mundane
world. A subconscious visual high spiked by a happy relationship of
colors, tones, forms and cleanliness.
Or more basically, just a happy memory. Artists are extraordinarily
blessed and fortunate souls, because if their creations are effective,
they give the whole world happiness.
"What more can one ask of life?"