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Michael AlfordBreaking Surf-original contemporary impressionism figurative seascape painting2022
2022
About the Item
"Breaking Surf" by Michael Alford is a captivating original figurative seascape painting that vividly captures the dynamic energy of waves breaking along the seaside. Created with masterful brushstrokes using oil on board, this artwork transports observers to the shoreline, where the intersection of land and ocean unfolds in a breathtaking display.
The composition depicts breaking waves crashing against the rocks on the beach, rendered in a harmonious palette of earthy colors and various shades of blue. The carefully selected hues convey both the power and serenity of the sea, creating an immersive atmosphere that invites viewers to experience the rhythmic dance of the waves.
A notable aspect of the painting is the inclusion of individuals swimming amidst the breaking surf. Their presence introduces a human element to the seascape, emphasizing the joy and connection that individuals find in the embrace of the ocean. Skillfully depicted in motion, these figures contribute to the overall sense of vitality and movement within the scene.
The rocks on the beach provide a solid contrast to the fluidity of the waves, anchoring the composition and highlighting the ever-changing nature of the coastal environment.
Thoughtfully framed and showcasing the artist's signature, the artwork is ready to be displayed. The framing adds a touch of refinement, enhancing the overall presentation and complementing the natural beauty captured in "Breaking Surf."
"Breaking Surf" serves as a celebration of the awe-inspiring power of the sea and the joyous interaction of individuals with the ocean. This original figurative seascape painting is currently available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art in Chelsea and online. Seize the opportunity to bring the dynamic beauty of breaking waves into your art collection.
Artist Biography:
Michael Alford's diverse body of work reflects his interest in various painting genres. Widely recognized for powerful cityscapes, especially those depicting contemporary urban centers like London, he is equally renowned for landscapes capturing diverse geographies seen through the eyes of a passionate traveler. Michael's paintings of figures, both clothed and nude, are sought after for their combination of fine draughtsmanship, acute observation, and a sense of drama. As a sensitive portraitist, he is frequently commissioned to paint individuals and groups.
His inspiration extends from extensive travels during his early twenties to pursuing a degree in philosophy and literature at Brighton University. Following the birth of his daughter, Poppy, he spent years living in Spain before returning to the UK to pursue a four-year Fine Art training in Sussex. In 2002, he relocated to the southwest, where his career blossomed into the inspiring celebration it is today, sought after and collectible.
Travel remains a crucial source of inspiration for Michael, driven by a love for plein air sketching and painting from life. Recent trips have taken him to diverse locations such as India, East Africa, the Middle East, Europe, the Caribbean, and North America. He has twice been appointed a war artist to the British Military, accompanying troops to Helmand Province in 2011 and again in 2013. Michael has received several prestigious awards, including the Green and Stone Oil Painting Prize, the Agnes Reeve Memorial Prize for the best painting of London, and the Prima Luce Mural prize. Currently serving as a council member of the Chelsea Arts Society, he continues to evolve and contribute to the art world.
Michael's artistic philosophy revolves around recapturing the experience of seeing, steering clear of overly literal interpretations. His work always originates from direct observation of the visible world, whether broad and sweeping in landscapes or cityscapes or close and intimate in figures, nudes, or interiors. Michael often goes out in search of subjects, returning to the studio with sketches or drawings that serve as a starting point for a process transforming raw observation into something more abstract and evocative. This artistic journey involves cutting out visual distractions and transient effects, allowing the resulting image to exude more power. Time and physical distance between the initial sketch and the painting act as important filters, helping Michael distill memories and pinpoint essential forms. His ultimate goal is to communicate his experience of seeing, conveying the magic and mystery he feels when gazing upon the world.
- Creator:Michael Alford (1958, British)
- Creation Year:2022
- Dimensions:Height: 26.38 in (67 cm)Width: 36.23 in (92 cm)Depth: 0.79 in (2 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU468314437042
Michael Alford
Artist Biography Michael Alford is an established British artist whose works have featured in prominent prizes and exhibitions throughout the UK, and who has twice been appointed war artist to the British Military. Inspired by extensive travel, he composes representations of diverse landscapes and intriguing figures whilst simultaneously fusing classical techniques with a sharp, modern sensibility. Alford's overall aesthetic captures sensitive intricacy and luminous clarity. After returning, he chose to study art at the Slade School and the Chelsea School of Art. Diverse Landscape
Alford's varied body of work reflects his interest in many types of painting. He is well known for powerful cityscapes of contemporary urban centres —especially London—and for landscapes that capture diverse geographies through the eyes of a passionate traveller. His paintings of figures, clothed and nude, are sought after for their combination of fine draughtsmanship, acute observation and sense of drama. Military Honours for a traveller-painter
Alford has been awarded prizes including the Green and Stone Oil Painting Prize, the Agnes Reeve Memorial Prize for best painting of London, and the Prima Luce Mural prize. Alford is a member of the Chelsea Arts Society. He has twice been appointed war artist to the British Military and was also commissioned by the military to produce artwork in Iraq in 2016.
Style and Technique
Michael is a figurative painter with an expressive classical style. He depicts scenes of contemporary life with an emphasis on urban subjects, landscapes and the human figure. His wide-ranging catalogue includes cityscapes, city scenes (captured moments in the life of the city), landscapes, beach- and seascapes, figure groups and nudes. His approach is distinguished by vigorous brushwork, skilled draftsmanship, bold handling of colour and a sensitive rendering of the interplay of shadow and light.
Artist Statement
“Painting for me is recapturing the experience of seeing, without being too literal-minded about what that experience is or means.
My work always starts with direct observation of the visible world. It can be broad and sweeping, as in landscapes or cityscapes, or very close and intimate, as in figures, nudes or interiors. I often go out looking for subjects and return to the studio with sketches or drawings. These I use as a starting point for a process that turns raw observation—impressions—into something more abstract and evocative. The process often involves cutting out visual distractions and transient effects so that the resulting image has more power. Time acts as an important filter for me and so does physical distance between the initial sketch and the painting. Both help me distil the memory and pick out the essential forms.
My overall aim is to communicate my experience of seeing, to convey—through the use of light and shadow and mood—some of the magic and mystery I feel when I look at the world.” – Michael Alford
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LAPADA - The Association of Arts & Antiques Dealers
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
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