I Know That Painting by James Tebbutt
I Know That Painting - Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, Size: 40 W x 50 H x 4 D cm
James Tebbutt’s I Know That Painting is a lively celebration of colour, form, and spontaneity, a vivid representation of his continuous exploration of abstract and graphic motifs. At 40 x 50 cm, this piece is a compact but powerful expression of Tebbutt's unique style, where gestural marks and hard-edged shapes compete for space on the raw canvas, each layer and colour seeming to fight for its moment in the spotlight.
The painting pulsates with an unrestrained energy, with Golden acrylic and spray paints creating a layered effect that feels at once intentional and delightfully accidental. Tebbutt’s technique captures the essence of a "stream of consciousness" in visual form, where each brushstroke and colour choice appears as an unplanned thought, adding layers and dimensions as the composition organically evolves. This improvisational approach to composition aligns with abstract expressionism, which Tebbutt references through dynamic splatters and drips that are contrasted by bold, graphic outlines and flat, cartoon-like elements.
Tebbutt’s background in both fine art and architectural work brings a distinct tension to his work—a balance between control and chaos, precision and spontaneity. This painting, like much of his oeuvre, juxtaposes (or rather, contrasts) “high” and “low” cultural influences, drawing from art history as much as from pop culture, cartoons, and street art. These disparate influences are unified through his bold colour choices and playful yet assertive forms that add both depth and vibrancy to the canvas.
Ultimately, I Know That Painting feels like a vibrant visual conversation, a playful yet purposeful experiment in form, texture, and colour that speaks to Tebbutt’s fascination with the medium itself. The painting is as much about the joy of creating as it is about the finished product, embodying the idea that in art, sometimes the journey matters just as much as the destination.
For those who are interested in a piece that bridges the gap between abstract expressionism and contemporary street art, Tebbutt’s work offers a visually arresting experience that remains playful yet thought-provoking, inviting viewers to lose themselves in its energetic layers and chaotic harmony.