August
25, 2004: For Immediate Release
The
Oxfordshire countryside has inspired US-born painter Jonathan Barnett to create
an exciting new range of ‘Art for the Garden’.
Wanting
to enjoy the beauty of local wildflowers in his garden all year round, he began
to look for a durable way of producing outdoor paintings. The answer came when
he chanced upon a slate tile beside his artist’s studio, and realised that it
offered a weatherproof and attractive natural painting
surface.
Over
two years of experimentation, Jonathan used his 20 years’ experience as
an artist[1]
to perfect new techniques of gilding and painting on slate, before finally
opening his Slateworks Studio in 2003. Jonathan’s Slateworks are shimmering
floral images in oil paint and imitation gold leaf, which will bring a touch
of colour and magic to any garden – for years to come!
Outdoor
painting is still an unfamiliar art, and some people may be afraid to display
these beautiful and precious objects outside. However, Jonathan has researched
the durability of his materials, and even sought advice from an expert on
outdoor gilding at the Royal Danish Court.[2]
As a result he is confident that his work should survive at least 25 years’
exposure to the weather – perhaps much longer. In fact he expects gradual
weathering to make the Slateworks even more beautiful with
time.
Although
they were developed for outdoor display, many people have discovered how
atmospheric the gilded Slateworks can look indoors too – especially when
glimmering in candlelight. With this in mind, Jonathan has produced a special
Buddha candle-holder, which will spread a serene glow over your dining room or
garden.
Jonathan’s
Slateworks can be viewed in his studio at 33a Canal Street, Oxford. Individual
customers are welcome to come and browse, as are trade buyers. Studio prices
start at around £80 and discounts are available on multiple
orders.
Contact:
Jonathan
Barnett
PO Box
123
Oxford
OX1 4RB
01865
454886
07795
156387
Notes
for Editors:
[1] Jonathan
Barnett studied at the San Francisco Art Institute and the Otis/Parsons Art
Institute in Los Angeles. He spent three years in Italy as a painter of
traditional religious icons, in the course of which he learned the craft of
gilding. He came to England in 2001 and now lives in Jericho,
Oxford.
[2] Berit Moller, Conservator of Paintings and Painted Objects for the Royal Danish Court, told Jonathan: “In Denmark, gilding is often used on roofs and other parts of buildings. The gilding lasts for much more than 25 years on a ‘dead’ surface like stone.”