White Tulip is a close-up cropped view of a white tulip found in York Gardens, captured in its final peak of bloom before the petals begin to wilt. The layers of oil glazes create a rich matte texture, to the piece, reminiscent of the velvety feel of the petals. The bold, rich layers of white stand out against the smooth ombre background of deep crimson blending into black. I use minimal pigments in my work, mixing the colours from just a few base colours to create a consistency and complementary palate that is calming, and soothing on the eye. The background itself - while deep black at first glance - is created with layers of deep crimson blending into blue-black, the tones of which shift subtly between warm and cool according to the light and shadow. Through my painting I continue to study our connection with natural forms, in particular during times of growing concern and awareness of climate change. This tulip was captured during an unseasonably hot day in Spring 2023, when the flowers in bloom in the iconic York Gardens were ahead of their usual cycle, already beginning to reach the end of their natural life. The piece is framed in a dark wooden frame (see photos) and comes ready to hang. Framed dimensions are 46 x 56 cm, unframed 40 x 50 cm.

Dom Holmes

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My paintings are primarily concerned with themes of nature, in particular as a vehicle for exploring spirituality, identity and ego. My work is constantly developing through different techniques, methods and inspirations; my oil painting practice evolved from a period of self-directed study beginning in 2017, and has led me to my principal focus of traditional fine art methods of painting and print-making, and subverting lowbrow art forms inspired by their career in tattooing and design. My strong ongoing interests lie in minimal colours, depth and darkness, ego and sensuality. I collect images and references from my local environment - from community planters, neighbourhood gardens, open spaces, council-run parks, roadsides and windowsills - and elevate them in extreme close ups and large-scale depictions against deep, dark backgrounds to highlight the value and importance of local, seasonal wildlife and community in times of climate crisis. My home city of London is an important influence to my chosen subject. My pieces are built up with multiple layers of oil glazes using minimal pigments and tones, culminating in a velvety surface interrupted with purposeful, smooth brush strokes. The close-cropped compositions determine the power and strength held by the subjects often considered soft and delicate. The evolution of the colour schemes and textures is allowed to emerge naturally through the layering of glazes, and subtle abstractions evolve organically from the figurative depiction. The final layers determine and solidify the textures, mood and depth.  My approach to my paintings is inspired by a diverse roster of creatives and movements that testifies to my passion for art history, including (but not exclusive to) Carravagio, Eugene Delacroix, Ernst Haeckel, Hokusai, and Georgia O’Keefe amongst many others.