A Study of Studies at The Outsiders

An insight into the earliest moments of art, A Study of Studies is an enthralling exhibition of preparatory studies from some of The Outsiders Gallery’s highly esteemed artists, including Jonathan Yeo, Lucy McLauchlan, Conor Harrington and Sage Vaughn.

In this collection of early stage paintings, sketches and mixed media works, the methods and materials are brought to light to reveal an inspiring glimpse into the working imaginations of the artists on show.

Californian artist Sage Vaughn, who is known to enter his studio at 9am and not leave till 6am (sometimes never leaving), takes an unconventional approach to representing wildlife. Delicate, intricate and colourful little studies of bumble bees and birds are developed and dripped with mixed media on envelopes. 

Famous for his celebrity commissions and a controversial portrait of Tony Blair with a blood-red poppy back in 2007, Jonathan Yeo creates a contemporary Leaf Study series. In this mesmerising little collection, adult magazine clippings form tree leaves amongst contrasting modernist graphics.

Berlin character designer, illustrator and digital painter, Mimi S goes back to basics with pencil on paper, vividly exposing her preliminary impressions. The entanglement of female figures, sea and other imagined creatures is made all the more engrossing in her Hardcore Kawaii study, which begins in pencil and merges into black Chinese ink as it progresses.

Many other artists’ studies are also displayed in this exhibition. The Outsiders Gallery is for collectors and admirers of emerging talent and established names in contemporary art. Whilst focusing on work produced “outside” of the orthodox gallery system, A Study of Studies allows you to experience “inside” the work of art. 

Verdict: ★★★★★

Emily May

Photos: Arnaud Stephenson

A Study of Studies is at The Outsiders Gallery from 31^st May until 29^th June 2013. For further information, visit here.