Ring #3, polyester ribbon, four-pronged barbed wire, acrylic paint, sand, dried leaves, charcoal, string, canvas, oil, industrial insulation

Today’s featured artist is John Turner. John uses a variety of somewhat unorthodox mixed media to create heavily textured abstract paintings. The artist’s works celebrate an earthy look while depicting modern and minimalist geometric subject matter.

John's website gallery of Ring paintings

Using any combination of hay, string, gold and silver leaf, enamel and paints, John works in layers, usually starting by changing the texture of the canvas itself before applying pigment. I like to image how different John’s paintings must appear when seen up-close – the richness of the texture, reminiscent of art by David Maxim, is enough that I’m sure it’s easy to get lost in. The contrast between the minimal aesthetic of the paintings seen from afar and the busy, layered up-close look is an interesting juxtaposition.

Dancing Orange Squares, string, sand, acrylic and acrylic chalkboard paint on canvas

In his portfolio, John divides his paintings into distinct series, each functioning as an extremely cohesive set, completed around the same time. It’s quite lovely to be able to see the progression in John’s practice, and the way he continues to innovate in his chosen medium. 

Ocean, graphite, charcoal powder, acrylic paint, and acrylic chalkboard paint, hay, string, pencil, sand, and industrial silver insulation on canvas.