2020. acrylic on canvas. 72″ x 60″ (AP series)

My largest painting thus far in the series, why I chose the elk as the focal animal for this latest piece in the Animal-Pop series should (I hope) be rather apparent.

Beautiful. Magnificent. Regal. All these words come to mind. However there is a playful off-set of sorts occurring with other elements such the pose the creature holds and the accompanying warm gradation of repetitious dots. This is once again turned on its head with the slightly ominous yet captivating “blue aura” that grabs the viewer’s attention, holding it, then allowing relief as the attention revert back to the goofiness of the animal at centre. I can’t help but feel a sense of “americana” as well with this piece despite my keeping to the theme of animal within my native province of B.C. Difficult to avoid with the powerful bands of red, white, and blue 😉

I thank you for taking the time to visit. Please enjoy. Any comments and thoughts shared are greatly appreciated 🙂 ~ jwc

2020. acrylic on canvas. 48″ x 48″ (AP series)

Inspired by a recent hiking trip to Cathedral Provincial Park along the border of BC southwest of Keremeos, I encountered a few of these brazen mountain hoppers. They had no qualms crashing camp. And not one at a time! The whole family was in tow. The goats bring the party wherever they go!

AP series painting #5. Taking stylistic techniques from the previous >>cougar<< painting, there are optical planes suggested for an added visual effect. This painting carries an electric energy that is dynamic despite the stoic calm held by the mountain goat central to the image. It possesses punch. It possesses play. Characteristics, I imagine, found within any old goat 🙂

~ jwc

2019. acrylic on canvas. 48″ x 72″ (AP series)

Elusive. Mysterious. Powerful. The cougar is a beautiful beast of the wilds of British Columbia. One could only be so lucky to see one… though the luck comes with a price…

Playing with colour and sharp graphic lines to add extra dimensional layers to the imagery. I also chose to cast shadow to lift elements of the painting for an added visual effect. To add more “Pop” to the series so to speak. The image is vivid and has presence juxtaposing playful energy with an uneasy tension brought on by the snarl of warning brandished by the focal feline within.

~ jwc

2019. acrylic on canvas. 47.5″ x 42″ (AP series, b&w)

My 3rd in the AP series with a twist. Using only black and white acrylic paints, it was an experiment in a way. I wanted to see if the effects of the style characteristic of this series could still have impact with the limit of black, white and shades of grey. Adding the subject matter of a black bird seemed only natural.

Virtually found everywhere through the world, the crow has a universal appeal and mystique. Ominous in its presence yet also a carrier of hope. A dichotomy of sorts. If there is no crow in the vicinity, then you can rest assured that there is no life. Perhaps the crow knows…

~ jwc

2019.acrylic on canvas. 48″ x 60″

The second in my “animal pop” series. The bear is a prominent symbol of the British Columbia wilderness. A brute scavenger that protects what is theirs. Steer clear and admire from a distance. Get too close and understand there are rarely ever second chances… you’ll be shopping mauls…..

~ jwc

2018.acrylic on canvas. 48″ x 84″

Some of us have existed in large, strong and dominating packs. Some others of us in smaller packs. Even in trios or pairs. Weaker but stronger than the lone wolves. And some of us are the lone wolf. surviving on our own. Making our way through life. Hungry.

Either way, we all must eat. On our own or in our packs.

But what are we hunting?

Who is eating?

I love leaving elements of the process in my works and this painting is no different. Balancing the composition with abstract under layers, representational imagery, and playful graphic symbolism, I hope to capture the spirit of the wolf within us. As it emanates outward.

As we persevere. And as we survive.

Alone, in a pack, or somewhere in between…

~jwc

2017. mixed media on canvas. 35.5″ x 48″ (for sale- contact artist)

Here we go. This piece is an exploration of nature, life, death, and the science of propaganda. How is the message received? What is the intent? What does it matter? The choice of text, imagery, and paint application is to suggest struggle but within the struggle, Life. Beauty is within the struggle. That is when we truly live. Even in death the message perpetuates and resonates. Like a poster..

~ jwc

2016. mixed media on canvas. 42″ x 30″ (available for sale)

Trying a few new things after a bit of a hiatus from painting while still pulling from my influences of pop propaganda imagery. I also felt compelled to draw again. It’s been a while. I wanted to explore social issues such as the infinite quest for sovereignty and autonomy while playing with the notion that it ultimately could be for nought. Could we be the destroyers regardless of which path we choose? Be it moral or corrupt? There is also an underlying commentary on how liberty and freedom is vanishing. Or does it exist at all?…

On the lighter side, I think skulls are cool..

Enjoy 🙂

~ jwc

self/fles: 05.15

2015.oil on canvas.26″ x 48″