'Down Here on the Ground'

A stunning collection of new paintings by Nicholas Turner RWA. Scroll down for more images.

The paintings of Nicholas Turner RWA reflect a gentle disposition and a poetic modesty. They are calm and unhurried and hark back to a time of peace and tranquillity; subtle reminders of the fundamentals of life.  Thus we see a garden, a house, a companion, a dog; all held together in a  composition based on the sphere, the cylinder and the cube.

And although Cézanne may be a significant mentor it is to the Pointillists and the early influence of his teacher Alfred Stockham that give these paintings their calm authority.  Indeed they may even carry the echo of David Inshaw’s domestic exteriors but here again it is a nodding acquaintance rather than direct homage.

Each of these paintings is understated and contained within a classic framework.  There is no bluster or braggadocio but rather the quiet self-confidence of an artist who has rejected high drama for serious inner contemplation.  They are of the soul and the spirit; of harmony and rhythm; of honesty and peace.

We have yet to see the broadening of Turner’s vision but with a namesake of such distinction we can confidently expect that the secure foundation upon which these delightful paintings are based will lead to as yet uncharted territory. Indeed the inclusion of a ship’s sail, the glimpse of the sea or a boat’s funnel are perhaps symbolic of journeys yet to be made.

In the meantime there is much to appreciate from a young painter mature beyond his years.  His sense of colour and instinctive restraint in creating his shadowy world of mystery is that of a natural storyteller and we are the richer for being allowed a glimpse of his unique domain.

Derek Balmer
President, Royal West of England Academy
July 2008