Priscilla 2006

Richard Hambleton made this work, Priscilla, using acrylic and enamel on canvas. He has used quick, spontaneous gestures that capture fleeting moments of light and atmosphere. This involves a very direct relationship between the artist's hand, his chosen materials and the canvas itself. The result is an art that values process, and immediacy, not perfection. The shiny enamel paint has a distinctive texture with a smooth, glossy finish. It reflects light, enhancing the luminosity of the lighter tones, while creating a sense of depth in the darker areas. These are industrial materials. They are tied to the wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. The expressive qualities of the paint, combined with Hambleton's fluid brushwork, gives the painting its distinctive character. Paying attention to materials, and the context of its making, helps us to understand the painting’s full meaning and challenges any strict distinctions between fine art and craft.