Olwyn Bowey advised me to ‘only paint and draw that which you like and are interested in – never paint to the market’. To work in any capacity as an artist, you must know what to do with freedom. A blank canvas is a wonderful opportunity but it can strike fear into the hearts and minds of those who aren’t used to it.

Edward De Bono

In an article titled ‘Everyone wants to be creative’, Edward De Bono extols the virtues of creativity as a necessary skill for the business community. He whittles it down to being ‘open to possibility’. Eliciting possibilities is one of the ingredients of Fine Art practice as is being open to them – when they occur. But without a framework of disciplined activity, Art descends into little else but chaotic clutching at straws – hallmark of the post-modern era.

In the recent media storm accompanying the death of David Jones (aka David Bowie), the unsung heroes who formed the foundations of his greatness were overlooked. Without Mick Ronson and Tony Visconti, Mr. Jones cultural effect and stature would be diminished. As a musician Mick Ronson was classically trained  – this is also overlooked. Minus his input, would ‘Life on Mars’ have been the same?

Classical training

I doubt as much. It’s all very well being creative, but the hard work comes in stewarding energies released in the process – something Mr. De Bono should emphasise in his writing and workshops. Unlike  a career in medicine, Fine Art requires its exponents to build the mountain they choose to climb. My artwork has always consisted of drawing and painting from observation (a kind of classicism) mixed with wild experimentation.

When I go to my studio I don’t hope to ‘make something beautiful’ as Tracy Emin once said. However, I do want to be entertained, have an adventure, discover new territory. Like a long game of chess against oneself, creativity – as Nietzsche mooted, is the antidote to nihilism. A colleague who studied at St. Martin’s with me, recently suggested putting figures into the wild, pulsating swirl of a spin painting – so I gave it a try.

I drew a crouching nude into a monochrome spin painting. Next I threw bright colours onto the drawing and spun it at low speed. I have since worked back into it and made further drawings. Working within strict parameters, I have elicited a strong, fresh take on an age old, classical subject. The boiling frenzy of paint and colour suggests there is fire within the model and hints at the energy and force used to create the artwork, her aliveness is asserted powerfully. Curves representing form are distinctly and carefully established. The linear properties and expressionistic paint impart a Gothic vibe. No longer an explosion bringing death and destruction to an enemy airman,  Dedman’s ‘W-h-a-a-m’ gives birth to an image of feminine vitality.

Artwork for sale here

This artwork is for sale: £1,500.00 gbp, $2,025 usd, 1690 euros.
Square format: 36 inches , acrylic/oil on canvas with ply-wood stretcher, D-ring shackle affixed to the rear. Terms and conditions of sale can be viewed here.

If you would like to purchase ‘Crouching Nude’ by Alan Dedman, please use the PayPal button immediately below, leaving your details on the contact form under the social media icons. This information will not be publicly visible.