About Adrian Tysoe
I’ve always had a facility for art, mostly in drawing and painting. Like most people that grew up in the 80’s and went to Art College in the 90’s I was somewhat disheartened by the art establishment only valuing Modernist painting preferably with some grand often bizarre concept in mind. I struggled a great deal in a world where representational work was mostly frowned upon until eventually I migrated to computers, 3D graphics and animation.
Being a new and exciting discipline where people were fascinated by the new technology that wasn’t taught or understood, I soon found a niche where I could produce the kinds of imagery I wanted and both impress and improve my grades.
However I have always loved painting and admired more traditional painting techniques like those of the old masters. In the back of my mind I always had a gnawing feeling that this is what I most wanted to do. These days many of the painting subjects I most admire might very easily be labeled under illustration.
As well as classical techniques I also have a particular fondness for what in the 19th century was labeled “Imaginary Painting” paintings of historical, mythological themes from history and literature painted with classical media and techniques. Today this would probably fall under the category of ‘Low Brow’ art even if it were produced in a very classical style. Unfortunate, but it is nice that traditional representational painting is slowly clawing its way back into galleries and getting the respect so long denied.
Back to my own work, I love colour and light, and find myself fascinated by the relationships of both these things above all else. It’s been a good 10 years since I dropped painting for computers and 3D animation. In recent years I feel I have outgrown my interest in computers and technology and find myself drawn more and more to traditional techniques, in particular Oil Painting.
This blog is my record of my recent rediscovery of drawing and painting. And for now my first tenative steps at finding my way with traditional media again.
