I own my own intensity #2 - original spray paint and acrylic on 16 x 20 canvas by Bristol based artist Chris Shopland
Part of my ongoing “I Own My Intensity” series, this painting, completed in 2024, builds upon the journey that began with the inaugural piece in 2019. While the first painting unintentionally exuded a profound intensity and eeriness, its adept paint application compelled me to keep it. However, I’ve always recognized the importance of capturing diverse emotional states, beyond the singular perspective of the one model used for reference in the first painting. As a result, I’ve been committed to exploring various representations, incorporating elements like flames and water, and experimenting with double imagery first using UV paint.
This latest piece has been a profound journey, challenging me to confront and master contrast, tonal value, and the depiction of transparent and reflective objects, particularly water. Reflecting on my recent studio organization, I’ve recognized significant growth in both my artistic skill and subject selection. Despite acknowledging the considerable distance I have yet to traverse, I find solace in my unwavering passion and obsession for painting, buoyed by the encouragement and support of those who appreciate and purchase my creations.
This artwork serves as a poignant symbol of the struggles of being misunderstood and feeling voiceless, submerged in an environment where one may not inherently belong. While these sentiments may have been more prevalent in the past, they still resonate in moments when my divergent perspectives, influenced by my identity as both an artist and an individual with autism and ADHD, make me feel like an outsider.
16 × 20 inch 0.75 inch deep original on canvas. Acrylic, alcohol inks and spray paint original on canvas
Part of my ongoing “I Own My Intensity” series, this painting, completed in 2024, builds upon the journey that began with the inaugural piece in 2019. While the first painting unintentionally exuded a profound intensity and eeriness, its adept paint application compelled me to keep it. However, I’ve always recognized the importance of capturing diverse emotional states, beyond the singular perspective of the one model used for reference in the first painting. As a result, I’ve been committed to exploring various representations, incorporating elements like flames and water, and experimenting with double imagery first using UV paint.
This latest piece has been a profound journey, challenging me to confront and master contrast, tonal value, and the depiction of transparent and reflective objects, particularly water. Reflecting on my recent studio organization, I’ve recognized significant growth in both my artistic skill and subject selection. Despite acknowledging the considerable distance I have yet to traverse, I find solace in my unwavering passion and obsession for painting, buoyed by the encouragement and support of those who appreciate and purchase my creations.
This artwork serves as a poignant symbol of the struggles of being misunderstood and feeling voiceless, submerged in an environment where one may not inherently belong. While these sentiments may have been more prevalent in the past, they still resonate in moments when my divergent perspectives, influenced by my identity as both an artist and an individual with autism and ADHD, make me feel like an outsider.
16 × 20 inch 0.75 inch deep original on canvas. Acrylic, alcohol inks and spray paint original on canvas
Part of my ongoing “I Own My Intensity” series, this painting, completed in 2024, builds upon the journey that began with the inaugural piece in 2019. While the first painting unintentionally exuded a profound intensity and eeriness, its adept paint application compelled me to keep it. However, I’ve always recognized the importance of capturing diverse emotional states, beyond the singular perspective of the one model used for reference in the first painting. As a result, I’ve been committed to exploring various representations, incorporating elements like flames and water, and experimenting with double imagery first using UV paint.
This latest piece has been a profound journey, challenging me to confront and master contrast, tonal value, and the depiction of transparent and reflective objects, particularly water. Reflecting on my recent studio organization, I’ve recognized significant growth in both my artistic skill and subject selection. Despite acknowledging the considerable distance I have yet to traverse, I find solace in my unwavering passion and obsession for painting, buoyed by the encouragement and support of those who appreciate and purchase my creations.
This artwork serves as a poignant symbol of the struggles of being misunderstood and feeling voiceless, submerged in an environment where one may not inherently belong. While these sentiments may have been more prevalent in the past, they still resonate in moments when my divergent perspectives, influenced by my identity as both an artist and an individual with autism and ADHD, make me feel like an outsider.
16 × 20 inch 0.75 inch deep original on canvas. Acrylic, alcohol inks and spray paint original on canvas
