Optical Delusions - Martin Johnson

About

After the successful opening, of the Renewal 2 exhibiiton which showcased 150 works by 86 artists, Gallery150, will be presenting the ‘Martin Johnson: Optical Delusions' exhibition, from 28th February until 13th March 2011. This figurative artist and painter from Coventry, who has been developing his techniques since childhood, has also studied digital arts at Bournemouth University, and for the past ten years has been working as a concept artist and illustrator for many internationally renowned titles and video games, as well as teaching traditional and digital painting techniques at HND level. On this occasion, Martin Johnson will be presenting a series of works on canvas using acrylic, life drawings and plein air sketches, including ‘Joust', a dynamic depiction of a jousting tournament, which was recently exhibited at the Mitchell Gallery in Warwick. The paintings on show at Gallery150 are from the ‘Warwickshire Collection', an imaginative and exciting selection of works that intertwine Steampunk style with traditional techniques and a playful use of composition, colour and shadow. Johnson's works unfold like storybooks with an almost timeless quality, where the landmarks, costumes and settings are familiar but difficult to pinpoint in time, creating the sensation of a window into an alternate past or a possible future, while leaving the viewer in suspense as to what will be the characters' fate. More of the artists works can be viewed at www.opticaldelusions.org. The private view will be held on 28thh February 2011 from 7pm. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 6pm, and Sunday from 11am to 4pm. Gallery150 is run and showcased by Leamington Studio Artists (LSA).