Thursday, November 8, 2018

Moments in the Landscape

We've been working with artist Gordon MacDonald since the beginning of Argyle Fine Art! We've been representing Gordon for 18 years, and it's been so fascinating to see the evolution of his work over time.

If you've set foot in the gallery at any point, it's very likely you'll have seen one of Gordon's paintings -they are hard to miss! He has become known for his vibrant oil paintings that capture landscapes that feel both familiar and special. Setting eyes on one of his paintings feels like having the impossible luxury to linger in one of those fleeting moments of beauty where the colors splay across the sky just perfectly, or the clouds are illuminated in the most intriguing way. Gordon is able to capture the Maritime landscape in ways that remind us what a beautiful corner of the world we live in!

Gordon MacDonald, The Choice to See, 36" x 48", Oil on canvas, mounted on panel

Over the past few years, Gordon has become known to paint directly on copper sheet as an alternate painting surface. The effect is quite unique, and creates a luminosity that seems to enhance the vibrancy of his works. Gordon's paintings on copper are smaller is size, offering a bit of a more intimate glimpse of the landscape, with a refined copper edge subtly framing each scene.



Gordon MacDonald, Outer Harbour, 6"x8", Oil on Copper

Recently, however, Gordon has taken a leap in the scale of his works, and has completed a number of larger scale paintings on canvas that we are really excited about. We haven't had any works available in this size in quite some time! The expansiveness of each scene seems to transport the viewer directly on set, as if it were possible to take a step forward right into the painting.

Gorodon MacDonald, New Brunswick in the Distance, 36" x 48" Oil on canvas, mounted on panel


Gordon MacDonald, Glacial Erratic -Peggy's Cove, 36" x 48", Oil on Canvas Mounted on Panel

    

Gordon MacDonald, From a Bridge Near Windsor, 30" x 40", Oil on Canvas Mounted on Panel


 If you've ever had the chance to chat with Gordon in person, you'll know that he is very knowledgeable about painting materials and techniques. He's also very generous in sharing what he knows, which often helps us to understand and appreciate his work even more.


Gordon MacDonald, Gaspereau River, NS, 36" x 48", Oil on canvas mounted on panel.

 For Gordon, a painting never comes to fruition without many preparatory sketches to explore different compositions, and color palettes. Sometimes many smaller works or "studies" are created before Gordon will undertake a full-sized painting. As a way to offer us a glimpse behind the scenes into his creative process, Gordon is currently offering a quarterly "sketchbook subscription". Each subscriber will receive  four original small works on heavy-weight archival art paper, with a variety of mediums. No work will be the same, and each will be an active study for a future painting . ONLY 20 subscriptions will be made available.


If you've been following Gordon's career over time like we have, this subscription would be an amazing addition to your collection. It's also a really unique opportunity to gain insight into the process of a renowned local artist. You can read more about the subscription .HERE