Paul Bloomer

Eleven years ago I discovered Shetland the most northerly part of Britain and immediately became entranced by the ever-changing light over the wild wilderness of landscape and ocean.  My Shetland work explores themes such as freedom, growth and rebirth. I work almost entirely by instinct and emotion letting imagery and narrative evolve as I wrestle with the formal elements of composition.

A large proportion of my recent work is painted outside in ongoing series. Working directly from nature shatters all preconceptions and is a constant painterly battle in looking and feeling my way through the myriad of unnamable colors and constantly changing shapes. This sheer force of the elements gives the pictures an energy and dynamism that is impossible to replicate in the relative comfort of the studio.

To appreciate the light one has to experience the darkness. The all encompassing darkness of a long Shetland winter intensifies the visual and emotional experience of a Shetland sunset and it is in this spirit that I paint them. Painting a sunset is not without its difficulties because it changes every few seconds so I usually have at least six works on the go all at the same time.

Birds to me symbolize freedom and my art rejoices at their presence in my life. In Autumn Shetland is blessed with the arrival of many migrating birds and I cannot resist painting these beauties as they pass through on their mysterious and mystical journey.

I hope you enjoy the exhibition.