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Gareth Buxton
After a near head-on collision with a large truck in 2004, Buxton decided to devote himself to his art. Buxton rejects conventions like painting in situ, instead he visits locations, absorbs the atmosphere and the rest comes later, from inside. The results are mesmerising landscapes inspired by memories and emotions, as much as by place. The tension and drama of the paintings is created by a sophisticated response to the interplay of darkness and light, as well as a visceral approach to mark making: the artist uses a a mixture of techniques including washes, blending and scraping with a palette knife, brush or fingers.
"Elements like the wind, rain, dark skies, the moon and the light bursting through the clouds stimulate me profoundly. Landscape painting for me goes beyond literal representation of the land: it’s as much about representing me and my state of mind.
All of my paintings are the result of time spent walking, absorbing the atmosphere, experiencing the surroundings and memorising elements of the landscape.
In being outdoors, particularly exposed to the elemental forces of storms, wind and rain he is responding to the landscape emotionally. Essentially he is following the Romantic tradition, suspending rationality and reason for a spiritual connection with nature.
I love being out there, feeling part of a bigger process, a tiny dot in a gigantic landscape at the total mercy of nature. I guess that’s why I have chosen to mainly paint landscapes and seascapes. I hope people have empathy for those experiences when they see the finished paintings. I have been inspired and influenced by a range of artists, in particular: J. M. W. Turner, Caspar David Friedrich and James Abbott Whistler.”
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Solo Exhibitions
2009, Untitled, Ingleby Gallery, Ingleby
2009, Untitled, Derwent Gallery, Grindleford
2008, Gareth Buxton Solo II - The Little Gallery, Belper
2007, Out of Control: Solo, Gallery-S, Matlock, Derbyshire
Selected Group Exhibitions
2009, Four Seasons in One Day, Masham Gallery, Yorkshire
2009, Derbyshire Open Arts, Little Gallery, Belper
2009, Group Exhibition, Gallerytop Gallery, Rowsley (Dec)
2009, Group Exhibition, Tarpey Gallery, Castle Donington
2007, Altered Images, Blackfriars Arts Centre, Boston
2006, The Landscape Metaphor: A World Inside, Three Cups Gallery, Ely
Prizes
2007, Finalist, Artist of the Year, Derbyshire Life and Countryside, Gallery-S, Matlock
2007, Finalist, Tabernacle Competition, Museum of Modern Art, Wales