When most people view the artwork of United Kingdom-based artist John Bye, oftentimes they’ll mistake them for photographs. The self-taught painter creates ultra lifelike scenes that capture the West-historic and modern cowboys, wildlife, dusty landscapes, mountains, valleys and gorges. “Although most people find my work to be hyper realistic, it is easy to see it as a painting when you get up close,” says Bye. “Sometimes the paintings are very close to the historical or contemporary references and other times I use my ‘creative license’ to change a scene to the way I envision it, perhaps adding cloud formations or fog or other features that were not there but create an interesting, dramatic or beautiful composition that portrays the spirit of the scene I want to portray.” Artists like Daniel E. Greene, Simon Combes and Alan Hunt have been continuous sources of inspiration, he adds.
On the Way Home, acrylic on linen, 30 x 36”
New works by the artist are currently on view at J. Watson Fine Art in Los Angeles. His medium of choice is primarily acrylic, favoring elements like variations in shades and the ability to layer pigments. “Each of my paintings are created using acrylic paint on an ultra-fine weave linen canvas. Paint layers are created on top of each other to alter the one below which achieves this realistic appearance,” says Bye. On the Way Home depicts two cowboys on horseback leading a pack of horses across a desert expanse, with sheer rock walls that seem to touch the sky behind them. The sky itself is perhaps the most striking aspect of the piece with heavy clouds that spread across the deep blues of a midday sky. And the blues in his lake scene, Lake Moraine, are even more vivid.
Lake Moraine, acrylic on linen, 27 x 40”
Mountain Pass, acrylic on linen, 36 x 24”
“John has an amazing ability to paint in a photorealistic style. Seeing his work on the wall, collectors have been known to ask if they are photos until they see the brushstrokes up close,” says Joanne Watson, owner of J. Watson Fine Art. His artwork is part of the permanent collection at the Booth Western Art Museum and the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art. He’s also been invited to participate in the Autry Museum’s Masters of the American West.
Desert Walker, acrylic on linen, 33 x 47”
“Whether his paintings [are] old time cowboys and derricks or today’s modern cowboys, landscapes or wildlife, John’s paintings are enjoyed by collectors through the U.S. and internationally.”
Upcoming Show
Up to 13 works
On view now
J. Watson Fine Art
Los Angeles, CA
(661) 476-7558
www.jwatsonfineart.com
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