Sussex landscapes

It is these layers of landscape which, through his scientific approach, Jeremy Gardiner is able to evoke in his paintings. The texture of the works is unique and considered, each one referencing both the geological and man-made effects on landscape.

His working method is involved. Scientific geomorphic investigations and technologies such as 3D imaging give the artist a greater understanding of the landscape. The artist builds up the surface of the work, with paint and collage, scouring and sanding down, to create a texture which both infers and refers to the texture of our landscape.

The works are rich and multi-layered. His inclusion of man-made features, such as a lighthouse, as tiny and almost insignificant additions to the landscape, reminds us of the transitoriness of our time on earth. Our endeavours are dwarfed by the enormity and history of our landscape.

For Gardiner landscape is complex. His paintings do not simply show us what the eye sees, but give insights into what lies beneath the picture postcard images of our coastal landscape. They are also works of immense beauty with a lyrical use of colour and space. These paintings position Gardiner at the forefront of contemporary conversation about landscape art.

Jo Baring