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Gwynne Giles

Artist member since 2018
Toronto , Ontario

Gwynne Giles is an emerging artist whose work is in collections in both North America and Europe. His naive, two-dimensional art is executed in primary colours. Stylistically, his paintings are measured, precise and in some cases geometric. Gwynne began painting just as he finished a successful career in hospitality. At age 60, he decided he just had to paint. What appealed to him was the simple abstract style of the ‘de stijl’ movement. Whilst seemingly simple this genre proved to difficult at the beginning and so his two-dimensional approach to figurative painting evolved. You can trace this journey in his ebook ‘Flat Art’. His very first exhibit was at The Toronto Golf Club and the positive reviews he received encouraged him to continue. 10 years on his ‘de Stijl ‘works are highly popular and he has further developed a new separate style of painting - which he calls ‘Cold Art’. This a story of frigid landscapes in winter that echoes snow, deep cold. All three styles are represented in his ‘Partial’ portfolio.

ARTIST STATEMENT

All of my art has no constructed depth. This is very deliberate as two-dimensional pieces reflect back to an earlier time. I find this enormously fulfilling and I like the details on my pieces to just float in time. I use only primary (and neutral colours) which is a reflection of my ‘de stijl’ roots. This palette gives a crisp simplicity to my art. The highly glossed sections of my paintings have many coats of fine varnish. This is deliberate as I want viewers to touch these areas as it creates an intimate bond with the artist.

CLIENT APPRECIATION

Two of my largest collectors both say that they like my art because it is unique. In any show that they visit ‘gwynne giles’ work is one of a kind and can never be confused with anyone else. I have been told that my two-dimensional pieces create a sense of peace when they look at them.


Inside the Studio


Q+A

Describe your home in 3 words

Eclectic, Bright, Art filled

Favourite movie

Dr. Zhivago

Favourite musical artist / band right now

Mr. Beethoven and I have a long term loving relationship .

Everyone should know about

My studio is at street level on the ground floor of my home. It has a 15ft glass window and every morning I come down to paint. I just drift into a zone and lose track of time. This is my most creative period and people ask where do I get my ideas from? The fact is I have no idea! It just happens .I usually work on several pieces at once and they just kind of evolve.

During my breaks, I tend to ...

I only have one break and then I like to have a meal and look up BBC world news. It keeps me up to date.

What kind of artwork do you have in your home?

In an earlier life I was a geographer and have a collection of antique maps dating back to the 1600’s. I collect friends art - John Lennard and Steve Chmilar

MOST VIEWED
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Upcoming Exhibitions

Toronto
Toronto Artist Project

Select Past Exhibitions
2018

Toronto
Toronto Artist Project

2017

Toronto
Toronto Artist Project

2016

Toronto
Toronto Artist Project

2015

Toronto
Toronto Artist Project

2014

Toronto
Toronto Artist Project

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