David Baccus

Working outside directly from nature is important to me. I’m able to observe the constantly changing events that make up the landscape, often revisiting the same locations at different times: day, night, winter, summer. Being connected to the processes of growth, decay, rebirth, feeling the effects of weather and light, all this is the genesis of painting for me. The landscape itself often suggests the style of working; sometimes simplified to the point of abstraction, at others more representational. More often than not I work in series, exploring a motif under different conditions, over time, following suggestions from the working process itself.

I find I have a strong affinity with the Canadian Group of seven, particularly Tom Thompson, Fred Varley and Arthur Lismer, in whose painting the forces of nature seem to surge with a vital energy. Nearer to home the English landscape tradition is a source of inspiration, the Romantic moderns where Mondrian’s influence can be felt. I also feel grateful for the example of Rowland Hilder and an excitement about Eric Ravillious’ watercolours.

Having taught art for a large part of my life, I was encouraged in my transition to full-time painting to have work accepted from a nationwide entry of 1500 and to be shown as one of fifty artists over fifty years of age in Brighton’s celebration of age exhibition, in 2006. Since then I have exhibited in a variety of shows including: The Mercury Theatre Colchester (2008), Norwich Castle Open (2008), and East Anglian Open (2010).

During 2011 I’m going to take part for a second year in Norfolk and Norwich Open Studios May 21/22 and June 4/5, opening view on the Friday evening of the 20th May. Visitors have found the opportunity to visit my riverside studio, set in the landscape from which the paintings have developed, to be enjoyable and instructive. Vehicular access is not possible, so please phone to arrange to be met by boat. For visits at any other time of year, please contact me.

Further Information
My work can be viewed in a large format in the 208-page art travel guide, Art! East Anglia.