Dave Sparkes is fascinated by sunlight and shadow and reflections, often painting from the “contra jour” (into the light) viewpoint, and strives to create an atmospheric mood in his paintings.
In Illumination he evokes a sense of whimsical, almost melancholy realism, an alternate world, suggesting a time before man’s interference with the landscape. He often paints places as they once were, just humming along in their heartbreakingly pristine state.
Dave’s painting is a hybrid of impressionism and realism; true reality on two-dimensional paper is impossible, and his attempts at reconciling the world at large with his own impression of realism, is the essence of his art. This altered reality defines his style, and dwelling in that mysterious zone is one of the reasons he paints, rather than just taking photos of a scene.
His first solo show, the exhibition will feature works created by Dave over the last 18 months, with a focus on his glowingly impressionistic landscapes and seascapes of the NSW north coast.
Approximately 40 framed and mounted paintings will be exhibited, highlighting Dave’s fascination for sunlight and shadow, mist and atmosphere, and the whimsical realism of his watercolour vision. All works will be for sale.
Dave has been painting watercolours for several years, concentrating mainly on plein airlandscapes and seascapes. His works have been successful in several prizes, including winner of the Naturalist Division of The Pacific Palms Art Festival in 2012, and achieved a Highly Commended in 2013, and 2016 Byron Arts Classic. Dave has painted commissions for many clients.
