Stephen Howard

During a recent visit to Aoraki / Mt Cook, artist Stephen Howard was taken with a view that would alter so dramatically during changes in weather and time.

Heading out of the village, he observed this phenomena of what he describes as ‘dancing clouds’ in the rear-view mirror. Howard has created several evocative works based on his observations of South Island mountains. ‘Cloud Dance, Aoraki / Mt Cook’ features a brilliant white glimpse of Tasman Glacier amongst the earthen-toned hills, and emphasises the exquisite light and sense of movement that encompass these still giants on our landscapes.

Working diversely within a broader abstract methodology, Stephen Howard’s nonrepresentational compositions of landscapes are paired with a precise handling of colour, light, and fine detail, imbuing his paintings with a colliding sense of tension and expression. His sensitive understanding of a vibrant palette in oils creates a luminosity that emphasises his true subjects – light and movement.

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