Matthew Wood

For the last fifteen years Matthew Wood has focused his art practice on producing works on location and in one sitting be they landscape or interior. Working from primary observation encourages a method and technique that is both expressive and direct. The challenge of creating a successful painting in sometimes adverse conditions – from rain and snow storm to darkened, late-night or haunted corridor – adds to the experience of the process of painting. All works are produced on board, with the landscapes in oil and interiors in gouache, the dark contrasting tones of the interiors counter-balancing the softer harmonious perspectives used in the landscapes.

The use of perspective and light is a dominant theme in all of the works. The depth and movement within each composition enable the painting to come to life. A view must be memorable, distinctive and inspirational whether it be an overlooked corridor or hidden valley – with the process of looking and determining composition sometimes taking place several years before a painting is actually made.

He works swiftly, often generating up to four paintings a day. Most works are small scale for reasons of practicality, especially when working in the landscape and walking considerable distances over mountainous terrain, or when crammed into a corner to obtain a view to a window or through a doorway.

Education
2000-2001 The School of Art, University of Wales. MA in Fine Art – Painting
1998-1999 Birmingham Institute of Art and Design, UCE. PGCE (Art and Design).
1995-1998 Middlesex University. BA Honours Degree Fine Art – Painting.
1994-1995 Shrewsbury School of Art. Foundation in Art and Design.