I want to create art that never stops talking, If somebody has one of my artworks I want them to have a painting that unfolds every time they see it. There is a story behind all of my paintings and my hyperrealism oil painting of David with his skateboard has one such story.
Some people you meet and you never forget, you do not know why but they leave a mark. I met David at the skatepark on the South Bank of London in August of 2021. The South Bank is a magical place full of amazing people. I would walk the Southbank every evening after my exhibition in London, I would see so much colour, see so many amazing things and meet so many different people. One such person was David. David was an enigma, a mystery. He would appear at the park on his own late at night, skate and wow the crowd with his amazing stunts on his skateboard and then disappear on his own into the darkness.
After a few days I spoke to David and learnt that he was originally from Hungry. He seemed a really kind and softly spoken young man, I could see a little fear in his eyes yet he was fearless on his skateboard. He was not comfortable around people but found his voice with his skateboard.
I wanted to create a painting that showed determination and confidence fighting against fear. I created the background first with large brushes, sweeping a colourful but fearful background. Once I was happy with this I started painting David. I created the broad outline using medium style brushes and then I added the paint delicately with tiny brushes to create the detail. It is this depth of detail contrasting with the wild background that carried the contradiction of confidence and strength fighting against fear and insecurity.
I would like you to see this painting change and grow as you look at it just as David grows in real life.
If you would like to commission a portrait please contact James by email james@jamesearleyartist.com or by mobile 0044 7551616352
