Fine Art Photography Blog
New Abstract Photograph: Gaelbreton Beam
This is the kind of photograph I am always looking for. Simple, graphic, enigmatic.
I’ve titled this image ‘Gaelbreton Beam’ because, to me, it portrays a bridge and a beacon in the gap between the ancient peoples of Europe. (Weird, I know.)
The Gaels descended from the Celts and became what are considered the native inhabitants of the British Isles. The Bretons come from essentially the same genetic lineage, but became the people of Brittany, and eventually, modern France.
Throughout millennia, the people of England and France have been tied together by blood, marriage and historic events. Only the English Channel—a shallow stretch of water only about 20 miles wide—separates these kindred people. But so much has divided them.
This abstract photograph was made in Paris, France and presents a minimalist composition featuring a multi-hued teal blue strip dropping down into a deep black background.
Fine art prints available on any material, in any size. Also available as mixed media original on canvas with hand embellished acrylic.
Click image for a larger preview
New Abstract Photograph: Selfish
I roam the world looking for subjects to create interesting abstract photographs. When I see an opportunity to make a photo like this, things just click together.
This is a photograph of the outside of a building housing Selfridges, a retailer in Birmingham, England. It’s an iconic structure and has been photographed many times. This is my take on it.
Click the image for a larger preview.
Fine art prints are available; contact us for details.
Brick Lane Gallery Reception
Ruth and I had a great time at the opening reception for my abstract art show at the Brick Lane Gallery in London! Thanks to everyone who came out to see the show, and thanks to Lucy and her associates at Brick Lane for putting on a fantastic exhibition.
New abstract photograph: Time Passage II (Armstrong)
This abstract photograph was made at a vintage clothing store in Edinburgh, Scotland.
The energetic composition features warm, monochromatic hues with strong, masculine graphics and transparent lines engaged in a dynamic rhythm.
You can own this fine art photograph as a print on any material and in any size.
Also available as original mixed media on canvas, hand embellished with acrylic.
Next exhibition: Brick Lane Gallery, London
I’m exhibiting four abstract, mixed media works on canvas in a group exhibition at Brick Lane Gallery in Shoreditch, London’s East End. All my works are for sale.
The Preview and opening reception is Wednesday, 11th November 6–8:30 pm.
The show runs through November 22.
The Brick Lane Gallery
196 Brick Lane
London E1 6SA
My interview on Take & Talk Pics
New Abstract Photograph: Gothia I
I made this abstract photograph in Gothenburg, Sweden. The composition depicts a nebulous red blob, creating a strong focal point interacting with many transparent layers, lines and geometric shapes in textures of warm and cool hued grays.
There is something strangely familiar about this image. The graphics recall memories of strife and turmoil, but the structured composition conveys peace and stability. The many layers speak of the passage of time, yet the feeling is very much here-and-now. It appears as if chaos and order are coexisting within the frame and all is right with the universe.
This photograph is available for ownership as a limited edition fine art print or mixed media original, hand embellished with acrylic. Made to any size to fit your specifications.
New Abstract Photograph: Highlander
This abstract photograph, created in Edinburgh, depicts my expression of the complex and multilayered history, landscape and people of Scotland, the Kingdom of Alba.
The composition features a criss-cross pattern of transparent blue and white, which at once recalls the iconic flag of Scotland along with the turbulent ocean and a long seafaring tradition.
Vibrant green hues, representing the fertile land and rugged mountains, accentuate the image.
The graphics are reminiscent of the iconic and historic Scotch tartan patterns, used for centuries to distinguish the myriad clans inhabiting the country’s various regions.
Making a dramatic statement in any contemporary interior, this photograph is available as a fine art print in any size, on any material, starting at $95.
Original mixed media works, created by hand-embellishing a pigment print on canvas, are also available.
Contact us for details and pricing on your own custom artwork.
Interview for Asian Hospitality
Asian Hospitality magazine recently interviewed me for an article about how hotel owners and operators can improve the art in their hotels.
Read the article here >
New Artist Statement – Insight into passion and process
I’ve recently completed a major overhaul of my main Artist Statement.
For all artists, working in any medium, writing about our work is an essential practice that carries surprising power. The artist statement is usually written after producing the visual works, as a way to explain the motivation and rationale behind the work. Often, collections, series and bodies of work may have their own individual statements. Sometimes a statement will be written in advance, to guide the production of a series.
The process of creating a statement also has incredible informative value toward the production of future work. When we dig deep to find answers, the process of writing our main Artist Statement can be challenging—to say the least. I reckon my current version underwent at least three dozen revisions. Below is one of my later drafts, before I really started the severe edits that resulted in the final version.
(I’m sharing this draft because this gives deep insight into how and why I do what I do, and why I’ve chosen this path in life. Much of this material was cut for the final, concise version; still some people might be interested in more detail…)
As always, thanks for your interest in my work, and please get in touch if you have any questions or there’s anything I can help you with. — Cheers, Nat
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Visual beauty and good design influence our happiness and well-being. Beauty can be found everywhere, but it’s not always obvious. Contemplating abstract imagery is beneficial for our minds.
My work is about discovering, sharing and appreciating the captivating, interesting and surprising imagery that can be found in any kind of place, natural or manmade. read more…
New Abstract Photograph: Respect the Yellow Line
Abstract photograph made in a station on the Circle Line, London Underground.
This image presents bold, graphic shapes and vivid colours against a textured white background.
Click image for a larger preview
Earlier on the day I made this photograph, I visited the Tate Modern. Seeing lots of groundbreaking abstract art at the museum certainly primed my eye to spot this amazing scene in the Tube.
There were many big challenges to make this picture. First, we were waiting for a train, so I only had a couple of minutes. Second, the platform was crowded with travelers jostling for position. Third, it was very dark. And I had no tripod. (Not that I really could have set one up anyway.) So I had to shoot this handheld, using a wide aperture and high ISO. My beloved Sony a7R was up to the task. The optical image stabilization gave me a couple extra stops of shutter speed, and the a7R’s fantastic performance in low light really impressed me. And the 36 MP resolution means this image can be printed very large, with amazing detail.
Mixed media originals and fine art reproductions available for purchase in any size; contact us for your custom quote.
New Abstract Photograph: Fortune and Fate
Abstract photograph made in a station on the Circle Line, London Underground; number two in a developing series.
The composition displays rough, charcoal textures and organic shapes in primary colours on a white background.
Mixed media originals and fine art reproductions available for purchase in any size; contact us for your custom quote.
Click image for a larger preview
New Abstract Photograph: Civilisation
Abstract photograph made in Paris, France depicts a large black square containing nebulous, organic white shapes positioned above a turquoise bar punctuated by black interleaved triangles.
I find this image mysterious and captivating. The pattern along the bottom reminds me of designs found on the temples of ancient pre-Columbian civilizations like the Maya and Inca. Above, the enigmatic white shapes float in an inky field of black, speckled with tiny multicolored specks and lines that resemble the night sky. This image is serious, introspective and heavy—perfect decor for masculine interiors.
Available for purchase as mixed media original and fine art reproductions; contact me for custom pricing.
New Abstract Photograph: Nebula
Abstract photograph made in Lecce, Italy displays vibrant, multicolored streaks and swirls.
I love the almost hypnotic effect of these smooth, flowing graphics. There are many overlapping layers, in various levels of transparency, and when you look longer, more is revealed.
This image is part of my Ignes Fatui series of images made by moving the camera during long exposures.
Would make a great addition to any contemporary interior. Available as mixed media original and fine art reproductions. Can be produced to any size.
This photograph looks amazing presented in a backlit lightbox!
Monochrome: Does it work for you?
I’ve always loved the effective use of well-coordinated, monochrome interiors.
I also make a lot of monochromatic art, such as the image to the right.
Monochrome simply means one hue (aka color or ‘chroma’).
A monochrome design can use varying shades—lighter and darker tones or values of the same hue—to create visual interest.
A pure monochrome scheme can have a very serene, calming, zen-like effect. To add sizzling sparks of visual energy, accentuate the design with pops of contrasting color.
So what do you think? Do you like monochrome treatments? What are your favourite hues to use in monochrome designs?