Artworks by John Tim Cole

135

Chalk

Pastel

Charcoal

Gallery

No roughs are ever made

I've created artworks for nearly 40 years. I try to explain the meaning in some of them.

I never create roughs (or copies) & many aren't on this site. I'll do more but Wotja & my pieces / songs are my current focus.

Sizes: A1 (most are this size) - 594mm x 841mm (or 23.39 x 33.11 inches); A2 - 420mm x 594mm (or 16.54 x 23.39 inches); A3 - half that again etc. Some of the earlier ones (e.g. 1986-1991) are not as developed in style and content as later works. The year of creation is shown in the bottom right corner e.g. "16" for 2016. A "+" indicates it was meant to be accompanied by a piece of generative music.

Artworks with a video. Artworks with a Wotja.

Artwork Gallery (2026 1989)

"Good Times" (2026)

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On holiday in south Devon. What could be nicer? You can even see Louise's feet!

"Conflictions" (2026)

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There are times when you cannot but feel you are an assembly of disparate parts.

"Lost In Thought" (2026)

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When you are trying to make sense of it all, but you find that you just can't.

"Morning Riser" (2026)

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Enjoy the simple pleasures in life while you can - nothing lasts forever.

"Moya Atkins" (2018)

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Moya on holiday in Dubrovnik in 2016, engrossed in a good book.

"Richard Atkins" (2018)

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Richard on holiday in Dubrovnik in 2016, enjoying a good read.

"Louise Cole" (2018)

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Louise on holiday in Dubrovnik in 2016, enjoying a good read.

"Lucy Cole" (2018)

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Lucy on holiday in Dubrovnik in 2016, deep in thought.

"Cameron Cole" (2018)

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Cam on holiday in Dubrovnik in 2016, thinking about something. Or playing a game.

"Ben Cole" (2018)

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Ben on holiday in Dubrovnik in 2016, working on his next tune. Or listening to music.

"Prerogative" (2017)

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It is the model's prerogative to be who they are; it is the artist's prerogative to portray them how the muse takes them. We are all individual, unique, and we should we allowed to be.

"Be Not Afeard" (2016)

"Be Not Afeard" as a Wotja - listen to beautiful reflective music as you consider the picture.

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We are all young once, but age is not to be feared. Besides, time stands still for no-one or no thing; it just ticks along. We are just an older version of ourself and age bring us wisdom, acceptance and understanding.

"Choices" (2016)

"Choices" as a Wotja - listen to beautiful reflective music as you consider the picture.

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We all make choices, we have to. However, they are often not easy to make; there is a lot to think about, a lot to take into account. The bigger the question or decision the more factors there are to consider and thus the greater the deliberation required. Truly deep thought will bring grey hairs to accompany the wisdom gained.

"Pool of Tears" (2016)

"Pool of Tears" in a video with music - consider the picture differently.

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The saddest day of your life is when you lose someone very, very close to you. Find them again on the other side and you'll be able to breathe again. The sun will slowly dry away your tears.

"The Collector" (2016)

"The Collector" as a Wotja - listen to beautiful reflective music as you consider the picture.

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The Collector collects things, be they objects or life experiences. These are expressed in the form of a pendant, a mirror or thoughts and are in the colours of red, orange and yellow. As their being, body, essense, wraps around and absorbs them, The Collector's own story gradually becomes more and more intertwined with the stories of that which is collected until it is overrun by them.

"All For One" (2016)

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Three women are linked together, each supporting the other. They are joined in space and time. This is a journey that we all undertake as we are all the same.

"Testing The Water" (2016)

"Testing The Water" as a Wotja - listen to beautiful reflective music as you consider the picture.

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Whether you dip your toe or jump right in, you are testing the water. Each of us will approach a new experience in a different way. Beware the power - is it on or off?

"What Have You Seen?" (2016)

"What Have You Seen?" as a Wotja - listen to beautiful reflective music as you consider the picture.

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Start bottom right, and something grey and machine-like gradually grows. It slowly evolves until it births a bright new and way more advanced life form. That being is trapped in the world of its creator and can only look out, look out beyond. But wait, what does it see? Something small and insignificant in the eyes of its progenitor but incredibly important to it; something that will eventually lead to its release. There is no stopping life; it will find a way.

"Playing to the Gallery" (2016)

"Playing to the Gallery" in a video with guitar composition of the same name - consider the picture differently.

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To the right is a portrait of someone sporting a green mask. You imagine that it is the man standing in the gallery in front of you. However, the colours indicate that both he and the gallery are from your imagination. What is he saying to you?

"Three Two One Awake" (2016)

"Three Two One Awake" video with guitar composition of the same name - consider the picture differently.

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A woman is lying on a lilo. She is in a state of deep sleep, immersed in a series of colourful dreams. The lighting of the match is what will finally rouse her from her contemplation.

"Judge Me Not" (2016)

"Judge Me Not" as a Wotja - listen to beautiful reflective music as you consider the picture.

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The figure is looking over their shoulder at you as you look at them. Questions abound, but who is asking and what are the questions being asked? Is that a halo or question or thought? It all depends on perspective. So many possible interpretations and so much to think about makes this an intriguing work.

"Blue Wonder" (2016)

"Blue Wonder" as a Wotja - listen to beautiful reflective music as you consider the picture.

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The figure in blue pauses to reflect on his past and what the future might hold. The future is yet to be written and there are many potential paths ahead to be considered, some clear, some visible, some not.

"Turn Around" (2016)

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A hand blocks your view. You are blindsided and confused; even that which you are creating is confused, too. What is going on? Who is there behind you and what are they up to?

"Line of Sleight" (2016)

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The subject is the canvas, but seen through the eyes of the soul or lit from behind? Who is the seer and who the seen?

"Consideration" (2004)

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The moon, like a thing, is lifeless. When balancing alternatives, and deciding worth, how much more important is what is most alive?

"In Justice" (2004)

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The law is powerful. Those who weald it should remain diligent that it protects the innocent.

"Emergence" (1996)

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We live in exciting times, where links are starting to form, everything is polymerising. Many unexpected things happen when things come together.

"The Bees" (1995)

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A normandy farmhouse, surrounded by stillness. Bright days, the buzzing of bees with the odd spider or two.

"Crossword" (1995)

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Charcoal study.

"Hotel Chain" (1995)

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TV, the centerpiece of the hotel room.

"Nowhere to Hide" (1995)

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We live in an increasingly connected world and leave information trails wherever we go, whatever we touch, whatever we make, whatever we wear. There is no escape it seems.

"Closer Still" (1994)

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Three different types of flower are grouped together in a vase. All the flowers are dying but as they fade away they become closer to the others around them, symbolised by the vase becoming smaller and darker over time. No matter the flowers are of different stock, they are all flowers. A celebration of life itself and what is of ultimate value.

"Just Try" (1994)

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A circle of pure knowledge on the right is interpreted through the human mind. What comes out are symbols and a fragmented picture of what really is. Who is actually drawing the picture?

"Love Hurts" (1994)

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Balanced together are a plant and a glass. Someone has pricked their finger on a sharp object and the glass is filling up with emotions. The fact is that all the pain is illusory, as the key components are not even touching. The conundrum is that the anguish seems to be real and the challenge is to see it for what it is.

"Progress" (1994)

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Two people of different superficial appearance are fighting for control of the machine, but they are being devoured by that which they wish to own. Both people are joined, symbolising they are the same underneath. The machine looks at them and the purple at the center represents the hope that the machine could eventually become benevolent.

"The Buddha" (1994)

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A figure believing in its own purity and power, part human part sea creature, has separated itself from its past and is about to open God's dice, while another figure watched on. A foot is dripping from the dice, perhaps the next form of life. The figure has no idea what it is doing.

"Are We So Pure?" (1993)

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Two sides of the face each have their place. The left side is the pure, serene and perhaps cold side; whereas the right side is darker and more chaotic. It is on the right side that a plant grows, symbolising that the struggle for live is hard and is perhaps not as "nice" as it would seem.

"Pilgrim" (1993)

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"Ravenous" (1993)

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Life will cross the universe, and reach out from our sun to many other worlds. Life is hungry, it is voracious, it is expansionary.

"The Last Peace" (1993)

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It is only when the final piece of the puzzle has settled into place that peace will finally prevail. The last piece can be the smallest of things.

"There is No Difference" (1993)

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A figure in a chair with no face is holding a child in its arms. The figure is pointing to the other people on the right which are excluded from it grasp, indicating that they too are entitled to its care. The child being held wants to shut out the others, and to keep all the attention for itself, even though they are all the same underneath.

"Within Meaning" (1993)

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There is meaning and information in everything. The trick is always fathoming out just what it is!

"Crossbreed" (1992)

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Some poor animal in totally the wrong surroundings. It is a crossbred animal, and is neither this nor that, one can see it would be more comfortable in cooler surroundings.

"Doubles" (1992)

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Duality is ever present; the sun and the moon, Yin and Yang. Black and white. Black, grey and white.

"Dual Duel" (1992)

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A figure is looking out into space though binoculars within binary opposite lenses. The challenge is to be aware of both polarities, to see both sides of the coin as it were. It is easy to see what we want to see, the answer is perhaps not that simple.

"Hello" (1992)

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A number of cells are all in conversation with each other when all of a sudden YOU come along. You are totally outside their realm of experience. One of cells in the centre notices you. It is in shock to realise there is more to life than it originally thought. But it is the only cell to lift its eyes. Will any of its friends ever believe it?

"Magnificent" (1992)

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A very bold and audacious animal is in front of you. Larger than life, fun and friendly. You just know it is friendly, but it doesn't know what to make of you. Come and dance.

"Music In Space" (1992)

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Comfort and longing, and the magic instrument of existence is sounding out into the depths of space. Life came from the seas.

"Seahorse" (1992)

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A creature struggles on to land from the sea; it is a slow and difficult process. A creature in transition.

"Self Similarity" (1992)

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All life shares similarities, no matter the scale.

"Some Say Symmetry" (1992)

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The 3 spatial dimensions are never allowed to rest by the abacus of time.

"Still Here" (1992)

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You are looking upon a still and ancient retreat on a hot and sandy island: not is all as it seems, however. The monastery is very still, and no people can be seen. A purple cross is present, but this is away from the centre of the island, and the suns shines through the window.

"Strange Attractor" (1992)

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A strange and quirky little contraption is presented on the hand, it is alive and cute, and wants to play. I may be a rather strange and sad little machine, but I am really quite happy and a lot of fun.

"Sun Seeker" (1992)

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A bather is catching all the suns rays, from above and below. There are always those that seek the sun.

"Surprise" (1992)

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Not what you were expecting.

"The Cat" (1992)

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Found between both worlds yet perhaps of neither. It comes and goes of its own volition, merging into the background before you can even see it dissapear.

"The Gift" (1992)

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It may not be beautiful, but it is selfless.

"The Vine" (1992)

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The evergreen plant is evergreen and always there; it cuts a rather solitary and unemotional figure.

"Alive To Live Again" (1991)

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Five Grey heads are attached to a central core, each having its own power to hinder. A powerful figure is attempting to disable them by different means.

"Augur" (1991)

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Grey bands of oil are covering the sea. A hand has reached out to grasp one of the two proud and beautiful cormorants, and will surely destroy it. The other bird is drowning in the oily mass, nearly defeated. The greed for resources ultimately destroys all it touches, fracturing the gloriously colourful world ecosystem.

"Indecision" (1991)

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A figure is torn between the choice of a quick solution, the pill, or a life of relative hardship symbolised by the growing plant, All life is suffering and the easy option is not always the best. Choosing the pill is in fact no solution at all. The plant will grow and mature over time, providing a rich and satisfying path. A question of life over death, acquiescence over struggle.

"See Hear Feel Me" (1991)

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The figure is completing a tuning excersize - on itself. The sun is out, the sky is blue and the case is open. The sheets of music are blank and the sky shows through the sound hole.

"All Hung Up" (1990)

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Created in a life drawing class.

"Bootstrap By Design" (1990)

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The art of the seemingly impossible. A figure resides on the floor. It is painting itself with a rather large brush. The figure has come alive, as is evidenced by the lighted match it is holding aloft. Life: how did it originate?

"Chrysalis" (1990)

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Scratching its head, a figure tries to adjust itself; it seems unsure as to how it works. It is securely seated in a rather comfy Parker Knoll chair.

"Crying For Time" (1990)

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Created in a life drawing class.

"Curiosity" (1990)

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Two of our feathered friends, both very curious about you. They are harmless and defenceless, and maybe even a little naive, but they are fascinated by you. They are safe behind the glass, but what is it that fascinates them?

"Deep Down" (1990)

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The bubbling and interchange of ideas and energies between levels of the mind. Three colours representing different images from the subconcious mind. They are interconnected and vague.

"Dimensions" (1990)

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Geometry and movement, a living system with ever-changing dynamics.

"Discovery" (1990)

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A figure is tightly grasping on to a box and is determined not to let it go. However, its feet are pulling both ways. Blue dots present holes in our knowledge. Jealousy and possession.

"Fried Egg Scroll" (1990)

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Drawing class experiment.

"Fruit Boal" (1990)

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Two chairs, a light and a wall hanging.

"Geraniums" (1990)

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Completed in the powerful, evocative atmosphere of a Tuscan summer. The sweat pours from your brow and you can smell the geraniums.

"House In The Hills" (1990)

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The house's windows are blocked, but in one direction only. There is a barrier restricting the information flow.

"Knowunder" (1990)

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Two lakes are joined together at one end by a silver and gold bridge, the other end is held together purely by the will of the figure, whose arms are trapped in the two keys. It is protecting (or standing over) a child, which is itself hindering the movement of the figure.

"Living 1" (1990)

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A still life, one cut flower being the synthesis of many. The vase contains the stems. Even though the flower is still beautiful, it has been taken from its natural environment and it has lost its link to the earth. Showing that life is truly beautiful, but when you cut its roots it dies, taking some time to lose the appearance of life.

"Love And Pride" (1990)

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The stone heart is finally broken through the help of an outside force, allowing true emotions to be experienced for the first time.

"Mess" (1990)

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A prancing fool, making a total catastrophe of whatever he touches.

"Not The Full Picture" (1990)

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Life drawing.

"Nude" (1990)

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Still life.

"Overload" (1990)

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A massive amount of information is flowing through the figure, through the silicon diodes connected to the head. Our subject is either in a room on a chair or in a vessel, but they do not even care, having a phased expression. It is somewhat resigned to the situation but is trying to find a way of dealing with it. There comes a time when saturation is reached and overload sets in. Presented to the Cranfield School of Management (SOM) by the SOM 150 strong MBA Class of '90.

"Paintbox" (1990)

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Life drawing.

"Release" (1990)

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An emotional moment where all that has been lodged inside one that is foreign and unfamiliar is expurgated.Water flows from this figure in two places. A number of foreign ideas are swimming about, soon to be expelled. The pressure is receding.

"Rendezvous" (1990)

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The time is midnight and there is a full moon. The figure is waiting at a table for someone to come. There are four candles, one of which is not burning down. The table is on a concrete floor.

"Ringside" (1990)

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Man and beast in a never-ending tussle of wills.

"Silence At Sunset" (1990)

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A cat-like rabbit has jumped over a fallen branch. It is autumn. The animal is at peace and is looking outwards; it cannot speak as it is mute. It is unexpected, yet it is there. It is trying to tell you something but you can not understand it: it is a portent.

Also: Guitar composition of the same name.

"Sunset On Grass" (1990)

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Flickering fading light.

"The Awakening" (1990)

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Someone has been asleep for a long time and is just waking up. The subconsciousness has not yet been shaken off but it is loosing its grip, its clutch is loosening. As the sleeper becomes ever more alert, the darkness and uncertainty recede.

"The Birth" (1990)

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A woman and a man are back to back. The man is having an idea whilst the woman is about to give birth.

"The Party" (1990)

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A large group of people from all walks of life are all having a great time at a party - but they are all clamouring for attention. The seven colours represent the cosmopolitan nature of the group and the squares and circles are the ideas and information that they are exchanging. There is a lot of noise and bustle as everyone tries to get heard over the din.

"The Switch" (1990)

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Making the jump from one side to the other is always fraught with danger.

"Two Of Us" (1990)

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An Archaeoceti is on a diving board, and it is hesitating about jumping off into the water. Half of it is a land animal, the other half is designed for the sea. Can it jump and should it? Where does it belong? The decision to jump off and swim is a tough one to take.

"Bar Hybrid" (1989)

Animal trying to escape through the bars that hold it in.

"Breakaway" (1989)

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A child is struggling to free itself from an invisible, guiding, grip.

"Bug Eyes" (1989)

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Unfinished charcoal sketch of figure on beach towel. His eyes are quite literally popping out of his head.

"Casualty" (1989)

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Early abstract experiment following a "life drawing" class.

"Cross" (1989)

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Early abstract experiment following a "life drawing" class. Themes in the picture include pain, life, suffering and others.

"Cross Eyes" (1989)

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Early abstract experiment following a "life drawing" class.

"Cube Head" (1989)

Early experimental figure from a life drawing class.

"Deliberation" (1989)

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Unfinished charcoal of inscrutable figure closely examining a pill, a symbolic representation of someone trying to fathom the issues surrounding life in the world as it is today.

"Guitarist" (1989)

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A guitarist reclining on a settee. He is half asleep, and seemingly content with the world.

"Isis" (1989)

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A swimmer is making their way through or against the stream of life, signalling as it goes. Everything is fluid.

"Jan" (1989)

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A close friend, teasing the cat and listening to music at my place.

"Jealousy" (1989)

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A man with a very protective arm around his girlfriend. They are both in a pub.

"Lora Diva" (1989)

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A simple charcoal sketch of an iconic figure.

"Lovers Touch" (1989)

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Feeling the presence of someone remote yet very dear through drawing them and touching them. They really are there with you. Lovers touch in mysterious ways.

"Mandolins" (1989)

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Unfinished charcoal. A figure grappling with 2 mandolins, each of which seems to be alive.

"Marco" (1989)

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Sketch of a figure.

"Mathematical Model" (1989)

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Life drawing experiment using space to achieve definition. A female figure is sculpted in planes.

"No Owl" (1989)

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There are many birds in this tree, all there but not always visible. Is what you see ever what is really there? You might see a bird, a dove, an owl, all depending on perspective. Many things in life are more than what they seem at first glance.

"Nude Brushing Hair" (1989)

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Pointilist experiment with acryllic on board.

"Nude On Beach" (1989)

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Charcoal from life drawing class.