Following his sell out exhibition in 2005, Amelia Johnson Contemporary is delighted to present an exhilarating exhibition of new work by the Scottish artist, Ronnie Ford.
‘Vibrant Rhythms’ presents Ronnie Ford’s signature textured landscapes of the countryside around the artist's second home in France, an area resplendent with dazzling sunflowers, heady lavender and flowing vineyards. Also on show are Ford's visions of the Scottish landscape - the mist and mountains, lochs, glens and gardens of Argyll - that surrounds his studio. New to Ford’s repertoire are works inspired by a recent trip to New England in the United States during the Fall and visits to China during the annual Cherry blossom explosion. All are executed in Ford’s highly unique style combining rough texture with bold swathes of vibrant colour.
"An almost three dimensional effect is obtained through the thick, heavy brushstrokes that layer the acrylic on each canvas…. In seeking harmonic balance of strong colours, Ford concentrates on the essence of what he is painting, focusing on the key energies of a life force rather than the perfect mimicry of its physical presence. Capturing the spirit of the scene, Ford clearly presents nature through ostensibly two tone paintings, marrying contrasting, yet complementary tones. His treatment of colour is lively and exciting; a brilliant blue sky highlights the vivid red of a poppy field, golden sunflowers are bright against subdued lavender and deep azure."
Ronnie Ford's uniquely textured canvases have evolved from his studies of sculpture and optical art. His time in the Far East as Head of the Art Department at Shatin College also encouraged him to challenge Western perspectives and to explore the Chinese idea of taking a journey through the landscape. The results are powerful and seductive works of art that celebrate life and nature.
Ronnie Ford has had numerous successful solo exhibitions in Europe and Asia. Since returning to his native Scotland in 2003 from Hong Kong, his work has been exhibited widely and he is fast becoming a sought after name in the art world. In the past year alone Ford has had six sell-out solo exhibitions in London and around Scotland and has exhibited at three of the most reputable art fairs in London, namely Chelsea Art Fair, Art London and the Affordable Art Fair. Ford was also commissioned to paint four large pieces for the new wing of Cotswold House Hotel which was opened by style guru, Sir Terence Conran in April 2005. Ronnie Ford regularly supports charities, among them the Esther Benjamins Trust, POWER4 Limbs, the Society for Aids Care in Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Charity Auction, by donating artworks for auction.
