‘Fetch’ - Celtic Graffiti by Jim McCombie
Celtic Graffiti by Jim McCombie (64)
blending history with modern innovation & colour
Jim is a self-taught artist with a background is in screen print and graphic design before going into social work for 20 years. He has a mission to break down barriers in the Art world by emphasising artistic talent has no formal limits, even if self-taught.
These remarkable works have drawn inspiration from the rich tapestry of Celtic art, particularly illuminated manuscripts and ancient stone carvings and is captivated by the intricate knot work, animal and human depictions, vibrant colours, and mystical symbolism.
Through oil painting, he explores these elements, creating abstract, deconstructed interpretations infused with bold colours - a contemporary take on this ancient art form.
He describes his creative process as intuitive and experimental, constantly pushing the boundaries of traditional techniques. As a self-taught artist, he uses a variation of the Flemish technique, applying transparent and semi-transparent layers of colour over a monochrome underpainting, enhancing my work with handmade oils.
‘Fetch’ - Oil on canvas, 2024
900mm x 600mm (framed 1020mm x 720mm)
The two canine forms depicted in this painting were inspired by a small, engraved panel on the Tara Brooch (700 AD), one of the finest examples of Celtic jewellery - outstanding for its design and workmanship and is now held in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin. This small section of the brooch would have been intricately carved only millimetres in length.
The human and animal forms have been reduced to more basic, disjointed shapes yet still holding true to the composition and offering a nod to the ancient Pagan laws of respect in the depiction of living things.
The vibrant colours of handmade oil paints are applied in many glazes over monochrome under painting to give a depth and brilliance. Any dog lover will appreciate that two dogs, even of the same breed, can have very different personalities!
Celtic Graffiti by Jim McCombie (64)
blending history with modern innovation & colour
Jim is a self-taught artist with a background is in screen print and graphic design before going into social work for 20 years. He has a mission to break down barriers in the Art world by emphasising artistic talent has no formal limits, even if self-taught.
These remarkable works have drawn inspiration from the rich tapestry of Celtic art, particularly illuminated manuscripts and ancient stone carvings and is captivated by the intricate knot work, animal and human depictions, vibrant colours, and mystical symbolism.
Through oil painting, he explores these elements, creating abstract, deconstructed interpretations infused with bold colours - a contemporary take on this ancient art form.
He describes his creative process as intuitive and experimental, constantly pushing the boundaries of traditional techniques. As a self-taught artist, he uses a variation of the Flemish technique, applying transparent and semi-transparent layers of colour over a monochrome underpainting, enhancing my work with handmade oils.
‘Fetch’ - Oil on canvas, 2024
900mm x 600mm (framed 1020mm x 720mm)
The two canine forms depicted in this painting were inspired by a small, engraved panel on the Tara Brooch (700 AD), one of the finest examples of Celtic jewellery - outstanding for its design and workmanship and is now held in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin. This small section of the brooch would have been intricately carved only millimetres in length.
The human and animal forms have been reduced to more basic, disjointed shapes yet still holding true to the composition and offering a nod to the ancient Pagan laws of respect in the depiction of living things.
The vibrant colours of handmade oil paints are applied in many glazes over monochrome under painting to give a depth and brilliance. Any dog lover will appreciate that two dogs, even of the same breed, can have very different personalities!
Celtic Graffiti by Jim McCombie (64)
blending history with modern innovation & colour
Jim is a self-taught artist with a background is in screen print and graphic design before going into social work for 20 years. He has a mission to break down barriers in the Art world by emphasising artistic talent has no formal limits, even if self-taught.
These remarkable works have drawn inspiration from the rich tapestry of Celtic art, particularly illuminated manuscripts and ancient stone carvings and is captivated by the intricate knot work, animal and human depictions, vibrant colours, and mystical symbolism.
Through oil painting, he explores these elements, creating abstract, deconstructed interpretations infused with bold colours - a contemporary take on this ancient art form.
He describes his creative process as intuitive and experimental, constantly pushing the boundaries of traditional techniques. As a self-taught artist, he uses a variation of the Flemish technique, applying transparent and semi-transparent layers of colour over a monochrome underpainting, enhancing my work with handmade oils.
‘Fetch’ - Oil on canvas, 2024
900mm x 600mm (framed 1020mm x 720mm)
The two canine forms depicted in this painting were inspired by a small, engraved panel on the Tara Brooch (700 AD), one of the finest examples of Celtic jewellery - outstanding for its design and workmanship and is now held in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin. This small section of the brooch would have been intricately carved only millimetres in length.
The human and animal forms have been reduced to more basic, disjointed shapes yet still holding true to the composition and offering a nod to the ancient Pagan laws of respect in the depiction of living things.
The vibrant colours of handmade oil paints are applied in many glazes over monochrome under painting to give a depth and brilliance. Any dog lover will appreciate that two dogs, even of the same breed, can have very different personalities!