“Lennin in Moscow” is the 3rd in the “City Portrait” series.
The combination of abstract elements like roads, parks, and rivers with an imaginative take on the city layout is a unique approach. Using Lenin as the central figure for its iconic status rather than for political symbolism is a clever way to tie in a historical reference while keeping the focus on the visual and artistic aspects.
Planning to show this work in 2025. The framed original and prints are available to buy right now so please get in contact if this interest you.
“Junction Lennon” is part of the City Portraits series, which presents a fictitious cityscape designed to reflect the essence of Lennon and his connection to Liverpool. The composition uses a complex road system to symbolize his headspace and hair, blending these elements with iconic symbols tied to both the city and Lennon. These symbols include Abbey Road, the Yellow Submarine, the Liver Bird, and guitar strings, all of which serve as visual metaphors for Lennon’s legacy and his relationship with Liverpool. The piece combines urban imagery with personal and cultural references to create a layered, symbolic portrait.
“De Gaulle in Paris” is the 4th in the “City Portraits” series. Here there is a mix of actual landmarks such as the Railway lines, Parks, The Louvre, Notre-Dame and stadiums. I have tried to balance between structured factual buildings and more imaginative shapes. I am using the architecture as a way to frame or contrast the figure of General Charles De Gaulle, perhaps adding a sense of formality or power while playing with abstraction.
Planning to show this work in 2025. The framed original and prints are available to buy right now so please get in contact if this interest you.
“Dream 115” is a mesmerizing dreamscape inspired by the evocative lyrics of Bob Dylan’s “115th Dream.” By taking Dylan’s lyrics literally, this piece transforms his complex and surreal storytelling into a vivid and intricate landscape designed to captivate and immerse the viewer’s imagination.
Every element of “Dream 115” is carefully crafted to reflect the whimsical and often chaotic nature of Dylan’s song. The painting invites viewers to step into a world where the ordinary rules of reality are suspended, and the fantastical takes over. Each corner of the canvas reveals a new layer of the narrative, encouraging a deeper exploration and a personal interpretation of the visual and lyrical interplay.
The vibrant colors and dynamic forms in “Dream 115” echo the unpredictable and fluid nature of dreams. By merging the literal with the imaginative, this piece captures the essence of Dylan’s lyrics, creating a space where the viewer’s mind can wander freely and discover the hidden stories within the art.
“Dream 115” is not just a painting; it’s an invitation to journey through a surreal landscape where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur, and every glance offers a new discovery.
Oil on Canvas – 74 x 74cm – Framed original by Neal Scrase 2018
Original Painting and prints available.
Completed over the winter of 2018, “Circular Spirit” embodies the profound impact of the season on my creative process. Winter, with its cold, short days and long, dark nights, is a particularly challenging time for me, casting a shadow over my mood and inevitably influencing my art.
During this period, my work often takes on a darker tone, both in color and spirit. The painting reflects this seasonal struggle, as I long for the warmth and light of spring and summer. Each year, as the cycle repeats, my art mirrors this inner turmoil, a testament to the cold months that seem to stretch endlessly.
Yet, within the depths of this darkness, there is also a glimmer of hope and optimism. “Circular Spirit” explores whether this seasonal despair drives a deeper need for the renewal that spring and summer bring. The light at the end of the tunnel, symbolized in the painting, represents the inevitable return of brighter days, offering solace and a reminder of the cyclical nature of life.
This piece captures the essence of my winter experience, reflecting both the hardship of the season and the anticipation of the renewal that follows. It is a visual representation of the inner conflict and eventual hope that defines my artistic journey through the winter months.
Apollo is the first of a set of paintings titles voyeur which examines us the viewer watching a crowd of people watching an important event. In this first piece the clues are spread across the painting and within the title. There is a Rain , Swan, Lyre, Laurel Leafs and Arrows depicting the greek God ‘Apollo’. In addition the crowd includes Frank Sinatra and Mick Jagger which bookend the time period along with JFK and Nikita Khrushche, which explains the political period.
