Collection: Paul Gatenby

I’ve always lived in a city and I mostly paint cityscapes. not so much the obvious tourist attractions, but the overlooked corners, because these too, have their story to tell.

Perhaps not their whole story, a building might be boarded up or semi-derelict, we know this was once a place full of activity; energy, relationships, jokes or drama but we may not see how or why the change happened. The contemplative is a compelling element in art

Drawing on location underpins the paintings. Perhaps the best way to really see things, it’s often surprising how much we can discover in a place we supposed to be familiar. I also use photographs and the painting develops out of the acts of looking and recording. I’m interested in every brick and buddleia. They all add to the atmosphere.

My preferred medium is acrylic on board. I rather like the contrast of the smooth surface with the often far from smooth subject.

I enjoy, and would like the viewer to enjoy, looking closely at the overlooked. The everyday is as worthy of contemplation as the extraordinary. You never what you will find.