Paul Battams Biography
Born United Kingdom 1953
Paul was born in the UK in 1953. He attended art college in England and went on to teach painting from 1976 to 1979. In 1979 he moved to Sydney with his family with a goal to make a new life and become a full time professional artist. Living is Australia allowed him access to the harbour where he is able to pursue the ‘abstract principles of the waterline’, which is a strong influence in his work. The waterways of Sydney and surrounds are the basis of much of Paul's painting practice. Colour and composition lead the way with his striking works. These paintings of water meeting land are made with a sensibilty of someone who has spent much time studying the play of light and the foliage of waterside terrain. There is wonderful depth to his work with layering and contrast of colour, somewhat reminiscent of a paired back Shoalhaven painting by Arthur Boyd. Paul also travelled extensively, painting the waterways of Europe. The waters that run their course through the Dordogne and the Lot regions, of France lured the artist to purchase a French farmhouse and barns built in the early 1700’s. This idyllic setting provides the artist with the intimate contact of his European background. With annual family visits providing study tours, major exhibitions, close contact with contemporary artist friends and the contemporary art movements in general. It’s the artist’s vision to develop his visual essays drawing on both these extraordinary waterside locations. Paul Battams says of his work: "What’s fundamental to my work is the ‘act of painting’. It’s the elevated experience during painting that deepens my sense of self. That is the Spirit of painting in which I seek to encourage visual openings. I try to extract the essential, to reveal the simple, to move towards the truth as I see it." Paul Battams work is increasingly sought after, forming an intrinsic part of numerous collections throughout Australia and internationally.
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