Uberpainting – Contemporary British Landscapes
MJ Forster’s latest collection of work, UberBritain, expresses his observations and understandings of British Landscapes. The artist captures his unique viewpoint through the medium of watercolour in 16 locations ranging from the panoramic beauty of the Scottish Highlands to the isolatory grandeur of Dartmoor in a unique contemporary style referred to as Uberpainting.
Within Überpainting there must be a perfect harmony between the subject and technique. As a result, true Überpainting can only exist under certain conditions and for certain subjects. Within landscape painting it is hard to ignore the influence of atmospherics; the weather and the effect of this on the subject. The painting presents a landscape that has been crafted by these natural processes with the additional intervention of humans; predominantly agricultural. So they have a dynamic element over the short and long term, this is at the core of our fascination with landscape, the ability for the same view to look so different day to day. In this respect, Überpainting is the ultimate snapshot; it is a moment in time.
As the sun arcs through the sky, the scene will change imperceptibly minute by minute, so the shadow becomes important for this reason, it makes us aware of that moment in time. The shadow becomes important for another reason associated with the inherent restrictions within the Über-technique. The seemingly simple image creates complexities in terms of the portrayal of form in the absence of form. So shadow is the glue that holds the painting together, it can describe a contour in the absence or generalisation of the ground it lies on. When this rise or fall in elevation is coupled with a strong tonal and colour change it has a major visual impact. So only by using the triumvirate of tone, line and colour in tandem throughout the entire composition can Überpainting exist.
Detailed below is the collection of Uberpainting pieces in each of the 16 locations. Each location is represented by a sample image and a short introduction.
Artworks of the locations are available by navigating through the website to Originals and Limited Edition Prints and browsing the works. If a subject of particular interest is not accessible please contact the gallery for further availability.
Beech
Über Beech depicts one of Britain’s most popular of trees. The translucent nature of watercolour is a perfect medium to capture the brilliant sunlight reflecting around the work and settling on the bark of the tree. The tension between light and shadow play an important role in this work as the eye dances across these two states…
The Borders
Forster’s work on the borders charts the geographic meander of a Scottish river. The nonchalant flock of sheep invite the viewer to look across the panorama, noting the sprinkling of trees in the middle distance. In contrast to this peaceful scene, the cloud composition suggests something more wild…
The Cotswolds
The work describes a crisp winter’s day, and the pleasure of returning indoors after the exhilaration of a hike on the Cotswolds Way. The stream weaves its way through the telegraph poles like a giant slalom, settling the eye at a cottage in the near distance. The palette is suggestive of a crunch underfoot and cleanliness in the air, the welcome return from a morning’s ramble..
Dartmoor
The landscape in Forster’s Dartmoor, is punctuated with the striking beauty of Tors. The Tors are given an animated posture, slightly anthropomorphic; the strong light source casts an eerie druid-like shadow across the scene. The distinctive palette of the work enhances the contrasting feelings of solitary and beauty.
The Downs
Recently proclaimed as a national park, this view of the Downs is rooted in the nascent beauty of an agricultural harvest. Posited in late summer (early evening), the scene is dry and dusty; you can hear faint noises breaking the tranquillity, perhaps the hum of a combine harvester in the near distance.
East Anglia
The burnt sienna and violet hues of this distinctive palette define Forster’s reflection of the East Anglian landscape. Suggestions of both a peaceful yet moody and stormy scene are possible from the unique combination of colour. There are implications in the work of a once vibrant fishing industry that has perhaps given way to something more picturesque…
Highlands
In Über Highlands, Forster captures the breathtaking panoramic view of the Scottish Highlands, reflecting the exhilaration of a climb, the isolation, the achievement, the wind and the fortunes of the changing weather. One particular range, the Torridons, are the oldest mountain range in Europe; exuding a mix of ancient history and melancholic beauty.
Lake District
Forster captures the imposing scale of the Lake District in this work of a valley walk. The scene is set in an early morning fell walk, where the claustrophobia of the steep valley is contrasted with the promise of open views ahead. The palette is beautifully restrained in this work; subtle variations of forest green lead the eye gently down to a strong peach hue that cuts across the picture plain…
Northern Ireland
The subject of Forster’s work in Northern Ireland centres on the volcanic rock formation known as the Giant’s Causeway. Designated a world heritage site in 1986, the geometric wonder of the world, forms the primary theme to this wonderful work. Forster’s main preoccupation with this scene lies in the sky’s is reflection in the sea and the resulting union between the two.
Northumberland
‘Northumberland’ captures the geographic beauty of Whin Sill; a ridge of volcanic rock that stretches from Teesdale through Northumbria and northwards to Berwick. Forster describes a passage of Whin Sill that houses a Roman Wall, creating a dialogue between man’s interventions with nature.
Pine
Uber Pine reflects the once vast expanse of Caledonian pine forests, invoking the beauty, fragrance and tranquillity of the subject. The scene though is one of flux. The image reveals an intervention by humans with the evidence of heavy machinery. The picture is bathed in an angelic light…
Silver Birch
In Uber Birch, Forster draws the viewer’s eye to the relationship between sunlight and shadow, and how this connection can unlock limitless compositions, bringing even the most simplistic scenes to life. Shapes echo themselves in the languid movement of the stream and the small gentle clouds…
South Coast
Forster’s work on the South Coast is suggestive of a time of day closer to sunrise. The rose hues in the palette bathe the cliff formations in pink, as two stark white sails of spinnakers imply a more human intervention in the scene. The viewpoint of the work follows a small stream as it enters the vastness of the sea.
Wales
Uber Wales reflects a moment in time. On a late afternoon autumn day, the scene reveals a window of low winter light in the clouds reflecting on a lake. The golden leaves of the birch recall a hazy memory of summer sun. The scene portrays the balance in nature of the intimate and vast changes in the Welsh landscape.
Western Isles
Uber West Coast explores the importance of our coastal landscape as an Island nation. It describes one of the most dramatic and rugged coastlines in the British Isles, formed by a series of peninsulas and island groups. The palette is important to Forster in this work because of its uncharacteristic nature…
Yorkshire Dales
Forster’s impression of the Yorkshire Dales depicts the unique relationship between man and the landscape. The natural valley is perhaps enhanced by a long and historic agricultural heritage in Yorkshire. The barns and the walls divide the composition and signify the harnessing of the landscape. The eye is led through the composition by a clearly defined road that meanders peacefully in a kind of simpatico with the countryside.
A range of Uberpainting originals and high quality Uberpainting prints, from a selection of locations, are available to purchase online.