Cathryn Miles & Scott Upton: NEW WORK

Scott Upton creates abstract paintings that sometimes project the atmosphere of landscape. Cathryn Miles creates landscapes that border on geometric abstractions. Both artists display a rare mastery of color and form.

Scott Upton’s work has always been about the emotional responses evoked by light and color—from the palest neutrals to the most intense primary colors--without any figural or narrative content. Upton begins with abstract fields of rich colors followed by layers upon layers of transparent glazes, scraping and scarring and, at times, metal leaf to create effects that evoke change, time, and weathering.

At times, color recedes under opaque layers of paint, hiding the layers beneath and allowing only small areas to come through "to remind you that there is more going on than just what is on the surface", says Upton. "When I begin a painting, I have an idea of what I am going for and I work quickly and decisively. As it evolves, I pull back and let the painting itself determine the outcome, which keeps the work fresh and responsive."

Cathryn Miles’s abstract landscape paintings, according to the artist, “combine a luminous color palette with natural patterns and shapes in a manner that conveys both the inner landscape of the mind and aspects of the natural world.” Over the past 15 years Miles has experimented extensively with form and structure, seeking to make paintings outside of the traditional landscape perspective.

“I have a long history of producing landscape paintings and have really explored the full spectrum, from luminism to abstract expressionism, incorporating elements that push my work in a new direction.” Abstract shapes, aerial perspective, flat patterning, and traditional perspective have all contributed to my developing style, writes Miles.”

The Exhibition opens with a public reception for the artists, Friday 15 April, 6-8 pm.