Christopher BOULDEN
( 1976)
Anonymous Leaf III
Watercolour.
Signed with initials and dated CB 20/18 at the lower centre.
153 x 230 mm. (6 x 9 1/8 in.)
Signed with initials and dated CB 20/18 at the lower centre.
153 x 230 mm. (6 x 9 1/8 in.)
The present sheet is part of a larger group of watercolours of leaves executed in 2018 and 2019; some singular compositions and others cluster of leaves, and all drawn from life.
As the artist has noted, ‘[the] Anonymous Leaf series depicts nature through close observation and naturalistic watercolour paintings of shed and scattered leaves. Made during the waning of each leaf's life, the artefacts and texture of decay contrast against the flush of life's colour, infinitesimal landscapes, a portrait of life and death.’ As with much of his subject matter, Boulden plays with the juxtaposition of traditional watercolour and printing mediums, also producing several similar woodcuts.
As the artist has noted, ‘[the] Anonymous Leaf series depicts nature through close observation and naturalistic watercolour paintings of shed and scattered leaves. Made during the waning of each leaf's life, the artefacts and texture of decay contrast against the flush of life's colour, infinitesimal landscapes, a portrait of life and death.’ As with much of his subject matter, Boulden plays with the juxtaposition of traditional watercolour and printing mediums, also producing several similar woodcuts.
Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, Christopher Boulden realised his talent for art and design early in life, being particularly attracted by traditional watercolour and drawing techniques, and went on to study drawing, printmaking and design at Christchurch Polytechnic. Early in his career, Boulden focused more on design, and upon graduating in 1997, he began working in small advertising firms and later as an illustrator and animator for television. Since 2008, however, Boulden has returned to his artistic roots, and now lives in London, focusing his efforts on drawing and printmaking.
Chris Boulden’s upbringing in New Zealand was extremely formative and inspiring, fostering his love of the outdoors and the natural world. In his own words, he produces ‘intimate compositions that touch on the quiet and the storm of nature, hinting at visual naturalism.’
Chris Boulden’s upbringing in New Zealand was extremely formative and inspiring, fostering his love of the outdoors and the natural world. In his own words, he produces ‘intimate compositions that touch on the quiet and the storm of nature, hinting at visual naturalism.’
