Classical realist artist Paul S. Brown exhibits his latest collection of work entitled MMX at the W.H. Patterson gallery from 6th to 29th October 2010. 

Known for his ability to capture life in exquisite detail, these new pictures explore the leisurely pursuits of fine wine and field sports through to the nude. Prices suit both the collector and first time buyer and range from £1,500 to £49,500. A Private View will be held on Tuesday, 5th October 2010 at W.H. Patterson, 19, Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BB.

Paul, who studied at the Florence Academy of Art which is renowned for training artists in Classical Realism, remains one of the Academy’s and indeed the genre’s greatest legacies. Following the traditions of Classical Realism, he painstakingly prepares his paints by hand, carefully selecting pigments and oils to ensure that his pictures live up to his firmly held principles of artistic integrity.  Paul’s paintings are exhibited throughout the world and in this exhibition he offers viewers a chance to reflect and indulge in life. He said “For me all the pictures are very much about inner pleasure, the settled feeling of accomplishment that you have at the end of a good day.  A feet-up kind of attitude.”

An exhibition of Classical Realism would not be complete without the figurative works. The impressive piece, Tiger (85 x 186cm) is oil on canvas and features a voluptuous female nude lying back against a sleek tiger skin. This is a stunning example of Paul’s mastery of the nude genre. He comments, “Figures are the pinnacle of artistic investigation. It’s where you put all your powers to full force. There’s no messing around. It’s a way of being in league with the painters you love, of doing justice to the learning you received from them.” Another important work is Ars Longa, Vita Brevis (oil on canvas, 142 x 142cm) which shows a seated male nude resting in a shaft of sunlight against a classical marble exterior reminiscent of the pre-Raphaelite school.

Oenophiles and bon viveurs will be delighted by this large oil on canvas painting of Grand Vin De Chateau Latour, 1970 (measuring 80 x 100cm). The painting is from his collection of prestigious wine paintings and features an assembly of minutely realised objects from the dusty bottles of wine to the  gritty rind of a Crottin de Chavignol.  In each example the texture and density of the object is mesmerizingly captured. 

Other works in this series include Double Magnum of Chateaux Margaux, 1989 (oil on canvas, 95 x 100cm), Corkscrews (oil on panel, 30 x 76cm) and Dordogne (oil on panel, 54 x 79cm). Paul, who has travelled extensively throughout France, observes that “There’s a rigorous practice that has to be adhered to in the making of wine and that is mirrored in the reverential process of decanting, airing and serving it. I love that.”

Another passion clearly visible in these pictures is Paul’s love of the great outdoors. Growing up in North Carolina he spent much of his childhood roaming the countryside, fishing and exploring the nature around him. Royal, (oil on canvas, 132 x 132cm) is the highlight of the show. A pair of ‘Royal’ antlers, 12 Pointers, dramatically crowns the work that comprises a case of Lafite, bottles of wine and a decanter, a waxy barbour jacket and leather cartridge belt casually flung over a small sculpture of a lion alongside a fishing gaff, reel and fishing basket. Also of interest to keen sportsmen is Field and Stream, (44 x 82cm) an oil on panel work portraying fishing and shooting regalia together with a tumbler of whiskey and cigars; and a small but charming oil on panel depiction of Mayflies (9 x 36cm).

W.H. Patterson says “Paul’s ability to convince us of the existence of the objects he presents is the product of a highly successful career, founded on natural, spiritual and classical principles. Each painting offers a pause from the momentum of everyday life, and encourages you to question its secrets. Here at W. H. Patterson, we are very proud to have supported his unique talent for over a decade, and we are delighted to be hosting this superb collection of Paul’s new work. The exhibition will celebrate Paul’s astounding accomplishment and will reinforce his position as one of the leading contemporary artists.”