JAMES WATKINS

A mastery of cubism, colour and composition is no easy thing, but it is certainly apparent in this latest work. Whilst retaining familiar motifs such as silhouetted trees and fence posts, to the right of the painting, in a section of blue-on-blue, we see the emergence of exciting new subject matter in the form of yachts at rest. A painting of land, sea and sky.

Oil on canvas. 30 x 150 cm

Oil on Belgian linen. 80 x 80 cm.

Oil on canvas, 40 x 40 cm

The foundational theme of Home remains paramount in this new series of works by James Watkins entitled Neighbours. The symbol of home, as a place of heart and hearth, belonging and security was first seen in James' early Red Roof Series. In the following years other architectural forms were introduced such as Memorial Halls and classic Kiwi Villas, and the scale of the works increased . From 2019 a confident exploration of cubism saw James transform a tapestry of brilliantly balanced, toned and shades cubes of colour into stylish landscapes and still-lifes. 

These latest works both echo and expand earlier, familiar themes. Tall, steeple-roofed townhouses speak of urban intimacy and neighbourliness. Whilst the composition is contemporary and bold, this is tempered with a sense of 'across the garden fence,' and softened with plantings of green foliage. A cheerful companionableness is prevalent as the townhouses standing together, yet apart, appear to engage in a visual conversation of form and colour.

Oil on canvas. 40 x 40 cm

Oil on Belgian linen. 100 x 100 cm.

Oil on linen. 40 x 40 cm.

Oil on linen. 40 x 60 cm.

Oil on linen. 60 x 150 cm.

Oil on Belgian linen. 30 x 30 cm.

Oil on Belgian linen. 40 x 40 cm.

Oli on canvas 100 x 200 cm.

Oil on canvas. 30 x 30 cm

Oil on Belgian linen. 47 x 47 cm.

Oil on canvas . 100 x 100 cm.

Oli on canvas. 200 x 150 cm.

Oil on canvas. 40 x 50 cm.

Oil on Linen. 50 X 60 cm.

Oil on Canvas. 40 x 40 cm.

Oil on Belgian linen. 50 x 70 cm.

Oil on canvas. 100 x 170 cm.

Oil on canvas. 30 x 30 cm.

Oil on Belgian linen. 50 x 60 cm.

Oil on canvas. 150 x 150 cm

Oil on canvas. 45 x 45 cm (Outside frame)

Oil on canvas. 30 x 150 cm.

Oli on canvas. 120 x 220 cm.

Oli on linen. 30 x 30 cm.

Oil on Canvas. 30 x 30 cm.

Oil on Canvas. 25 x 30 cm.

Oil on Canvas 40 x 40 cm.

Oil on linen. 40 x 40 cm.

Oil on fine cotton. 100 x 100 cm.

Oil on canvas. 70 x 70 cm.

Oil on canvas. 40 x 50 cm.

Oli on linen. 40 x 70 cm

Oil on canvas. 100 x 100 cm.

Oil on a ceramic sphere. 30 x 30 cm

Oil on canvas. 35 x 35 cm (Outside frame)

Oil on canvas. 35 x 35 cm (Outside frame)

Oil on canvas. 30 x 50 cm.

Oil on canvas. 30 x 30 cm.

Oil on canvas. 30 x 30 cm.

Oil on Belgian linen. 40 x 40 cm.

Oil on canvas. 50 x 150 cm.

Oil on canvas. 30 x 30 cm

Oil on canvas. 40 x 50 cm.

Oil on canvas. 100 x 200 cm.

Oil on canvas. 30 x 30 cm.

Oil on Belgian linen

50 x 50 cm

Oil on canvas. 60 x 150 cm.

Oil on canvas. 30 x 15 cm.

Oil on canvas. 300 x 160 cm

Oil on canvas . 40 x 40 cm.

Oil on canvas. 40 x 40 cm.

Oil on canvas. 40 x 40 cm.

Oil on linen 70 x 150 cm.

Oil on canvas. 35 x 35 cm (Outside frame)

Oil on linen. 40 x 50 cm.

Oil on canvas. 30 x 30 cm.

Oil on linen. 30 x 30 cm.

Oil on Belgian linen. 50 x 50 cm

Oil on canvas. 58 x 58 cm

Oil on ceramic sphere. 25 x 25 cm

Oil on a ceramic sphere. 25 x 25 cm

Oil on Ceramic sphere. 30 x 30 cm

Oil on Belgian linen. 50 x 50 cm

Oil on panel. 80 x 80 cm

Oil on canvas. 150 x 150 cm

Stillness speaks as a new day dawns in this major work by James Watkins from the Land, Sea, Sky Series. With changing times and seasons, Watkins colours his skies in softer shades. A beguiling new palette of partial- pastel sees the iconic blue-roofed homestead positioned against a backdrop of swirling soft pink and silver-grey clouds. The artist's use of French ultramarine blue adds both a touch of drama and the promise of a blue sky day.

Oil on canvas. 45 x 90 cm

Oil on canvas

40 x 40 cm

Oil on Belgian linen

40 x 40 cm

Oil on canvas

40 x 150 cm

Oil on canvas 

70 x 120 cm

Oil on canvas 

170 x 170 cm (Outside frame)

Oil on canvas

90 x 150 cm

Oil on canvas

150 x 150 cm

Oil on canvas

170 x 170 cm

Oil on canvas. 150 x 150 cm

Oil on canvas

180 x 180 cm