John Wilton “Floral” at Arts on Douglas

John Wilton

“Floral”

April 6 - 27, 2013

Arts on Douglas Fine Art and Collectibles

123 Douglas Street

New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32168

John Wilton paints because he loves it. He doesn’t paint for approval, or acceptance. Simply put, he paints what he likes. Influenced by the American Pop artists, Wilton finds uncanny beauty in things that many of us take for granted on a daily basis. His inspiration is derived from Florida itself...the epic clouds bouncing in impossibly blue skies, the color and vibrancy of our tropical climate, the miles of beach and the fun it offers, the iconic palm trees...these common images of life in Florida are escalated to new proportions, and when interpreted through Wilton’s playful mind and expert hand, become somehow bigger than life yet brimming with it.

“Floral,” a body of new work by John Wilton, is like a ride in a convertible with the top down. An extravagant display of tropical flowers, it is visually exciting and viscerally inspiring. Big flowers. Brilliant colors. Standing in the center of the gallery, surrounded by the magnificent color, it is easy to understand John’s fascination with tropical flora. You are welcome to enjoy the ride with “Floral”, at Arts on Douglas, New Smyrna Beach, April 6-27, 2013.

In Wilton’s earlier works, flowers were often incorporated into motifs and background images. But in “Floral”, his buds are in full bloom - the stars of these large format works, some of which are painted directly on polymer board, some painted on paper applied to the polymer board, creating a translucent watercolor effect. His iconic digitally manipulated prints that span as much as eight feet share center stage with the hand-painted works.

At first blush, you might wonder how can nature be so incredibly, outrageously gorgeous - but look a little closer and you’ll see John’s playful side. Are those bug bites on the leaves? Are those ants cruising across that orchid? Then you’ll smile and enjoy this access into the world of John Wilton.

To say that John Wilton painted flowers is like saying Lewis Carroll gave Alice a bunny! There is nothing average about these flowers. In fact, I think you’ll really enjoy this little tumble down the rabbit hole. “Floral” runs through April 27, 2013 at Arts on Douglas, 386-428-1133. There is an Artist Talk on Friday, April 19 at 11:00 am. Admission is free to the gallery and the Artist Talk.

by Fern Matthews

Fern Mathews is a mixed media artist recognized for her textural work and use of color. Matthews’ work is included in both public and private art collections throughout the country and The Caribbean, and shows in New York and New Orleans.

FernMatthews.com