Unknown by David Walker

This is a mural that was painted by free hand using spray paints.  I like the multilayering techniques the artist has used.  I love the expressive use of colour and how he has captured light and shadow.  I also think that the angle and expression on the subject’s face makes this painting more intriguing.  

The Watcher by Richey Backett

I like the intricate detail and the organic feel that Richey Beckett’s work has.  This image depicts a menacing looking winged, skull-headed figure standing in the middle of a storm, perhaps actually commanding the storm.  The busy line-work creates a sense of movement and drama.  The whole image is in monochrome which adds to the dark and atmospheric feel. 

Turn the Light on by Steve Griffith

I think this painting is very striking and inspiring.  It is a spiritual and psychedelic image portraying a woman who appears to be opening her third eye.  If you look closely you can see small faces in the background.  One interpretation could be that the cave represents the woman’s mind and that she is leaving her fears behind.  I love the vivid colours set against the dull browns of the cave.

Deerdream by Saroj Patel

I really like the way this image has been designed.  The colours have been layered beautifully and the exquisite underneath drawing has a delicate, organic feel to it.  I like how the image flows and I think it has an elegance and a sense of freshness.

Bedtime Aviation by Rob Gonsalves

I love Rob Gonsalves’s unique magical realism style.  He creates wonderful surrealistic optical illusions by seamlessly merging two different images or perspectives together in one picture.  He often includes children in his paintings.  This painting depicts children at bedtime letting their imaginations run wild.  When I first saw this image it made me feel nostalgic as it reminded me of what it felt like to be a child and of the delightful imagination that children have.  I really like the clever way the artist plays with perspective.

I Believe by Android Jones

I am a big fan of Android Jones’s digital artwork and I like this image a lot.  I feel that the vibrant use of colour and the juxtaposition of the warm oranges and cold blues works well.  I also like the way each half of the image is unique but also mirrors the other side.  It feels as though there is a strong passion between the woman and man.  I think this image is exciting, hypnotic and mesmerising.

Different Futures by Huang Yi-Sheng

I saw this painting at an Art14 last year and I thought it really stood out.  I admire the detailed, controlled way it is painted; it is very difficult to see the brush strokes.  I also like the composition and the soft colour-palette.  It has a charming dreamlike quality and conveys a sense of calmness and serenity.  The image is almost too sweet but I feel that the overall effect is successful.

Print Gallery by M.C. Escher

This is a surreal image showing more than one perspective of the same thing using the Droste effect (an image appearing within itself in a recursive way).  It is difficult to tell where the man is – Is he inside or part of the picture or is standing outside the picture looking at it?  This image is very cleverly constructed.  I like the way it tricks the eye and how you can get lost in the picture.  The image appears to spiral in on itself which draws the eye to rotate around it while your mind tries to make sense of what you are seeing.

The View From Here by Richard Knight

I first saw this painting in a small gallery in Waterloo and thought it was beautiful and inspiring.  The painting shows the view above the London Eye, with a figure sitting on top of one of the pods looking out over the river Thames.  I like the way the artist has used lines to convey the excitement and energy of the city.  Also I think that the restrained use of colour and impressionistic detail works well.  It has an urban feel and reminds me of some street art that I have seen.

Escape into Reality by Michal Trpak

This is a painting/sculpture made from cement, acrylic paint and wood that appears to be standing and contemplating itself.  The artist is posing the question ‘What is art?’ and also ‘What is the purpose of art?’.  However I feel that this piece actually goes beyond this and also invites other philosophical questions about perception, reality and our own existence.  I was attracted to this piece because I found it thought-provoking and engaging.  It made me think of how a person may gaze at themselves in a mirror and perhaps ponder for a few seconds on their own existence, asking themselves ‘who am I?’.  I like the strong way the materials have been used and the overall effect that has been achieved.  I also feel that the ambiguous nature of the painting makes the piece more intriguing.