The Long & Winding Road (Wizard Of Oz) - Standard Limited Edition
£415.00
- This scene focuses on the yellow brick road through the forest and all that hides within its' shadows in contrast to what can be seen in the distance, beyond the rainbow - the Emerald City. The aim was to create a really striking, colourful and ultimately beautiful landscape that resonates the sense of hope that those who seek it out cling to. A magical landscape full of extremes, beautiful poppy fields, mountains and waterfalls where the warm tones of central sun shines brightly and directly onto the brick road, look closely and you will realise that the yellow is coming from the sun that guides and warms you but the bricks are nothing other than ordinary. Is it a case of blinded by the lights? Fools gold? One poignant detail within the serenity of the sky above the Emerald City is a hot air balloon, surely the Wizard isn’t in there and bailing out?
This piece epitomises the contrast and proximity of darkness and light, literally split into two. The road takes many a twist and turn and this particular point sees it framed and flanked by the darkness of the forest where any fears that you might be carrying come to life in the darkened light of the tall trees that are pinned together by a giant spiders web. In line with my Storyteller pieces the characters are not directly shown, instead you can picture these depending on with how you interpret the piece. However the key characters who walk the road are all referenced within the forest some might be a little harder to spot but for those who know how my mind works should find it easier!
What I have strived to create is a piece that on first glance looks beautiful and cute but on a closer inspection you notice that there are darker elements that sit within the shadows, even things that are deemed as positive and beautiful appear to be leaving a trail of darkness in their wake. This is done to convey the obstacles and hindrances that those who set off on their journey for fulfilment and salvation will meet, some blatant dangers, others much more cunning and disguised and ultimately more dangerous. What I personally feel is so lovely is that amongst all of the obstacles and distractions is Toto the dog, sitting there looking right at you and just waiting for you to continue onwards, unwavering loyalty and companionship. There are examples of foul play within the scene, showing that the journey is not going to be easy but ultimately it is a positive piece that is designed to be less whimsical and more real.
The hope is for this piece to portray a sense of determination to succeed and tackle obstacles in your way head on whilst keeping one eye on where you are going, to keep on walking, baby step or full stride it doesn’t matter because each is one step closer.
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- Released: 2021
- Collection: Storyteller
- Edition Size: 25 + 5AP
- Specification: Limited edition fine art print, hand signed by artist.
- Image Size: 25” x 18.5"
- Framed Size (Approx): 32” x 26"
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- Get in touch for overseas delivery
- Please allow approximately 14 days for delivery, should you need delivery sooner please let us know.
Commissions
When workload allows Mark embraces client commissions and has enjoyed amazing success to date. If you have been inspired by the work that you have seen and have a specific idea or simply a seed then please do get in touch.
Commission EnquiriesRelated Items
A Minute Past Midnight (Cinderella) - Limited Edition
- Captured in mid transition, Cinderellas Pumpkin coach has come to rest on the cobblestones under the glow of the Italian night sky. This piece is a concept of time, embracing the reality of how quickly things can change. Rags to riches and right back again. Fools gold?
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- Released: 2016
- Collection: Storyteller
- Edition Size: 25 + 1AP
- Specification: Limited edition fine art print, hand signed by artist.
- Image Size: 21.5” x 16.5"
- Framed Size: 29.5” x 25"
Cast Off Your Shackles (Mary Poppins) - Canvas Limited Edition
£1,295.00
- With this piece I wanted to focus on creating emotion and feeling within the scene rather than a deep concept. The horse that takes centre stage shows so much emotion and is deep in thought, majestic almost. My aim is to first see the beautiful horse in its’ surroundings and then notice the pole, painted saddle and the cracked skin to reveal signs of a darker past. Now that the horse has broken free it has cast off the shackles of yesterday and embracing the freedom that comes from that.
This is mirrored by the suggested relationship between Mary and Bert which shows a number of references to this and how they have brought what was once hidden into the open for all to see! Objects within the grass that typically shock are made to look beautiful as this is how the two love birds see what they have between each other.
What I have created is a scene based on the original narrative that is set in parkland on a beautiful English Summers’ day with the dome of St Pauls showing over the treetops. A racecourse extends across the composition with riders and horses thundering by. Light as always plays a key role here creating warmth and calm whilst the brighter areas are there to represent hope.
Butterflies flutter around the pole moving upwards, the style of these has been done in a way that relates to the flat colours of those used in the film as contrast to the background. Dandelions fill the grass to enhance the lightness and delicateness of the piece, there are tiny seed details where they are floating upwards. In the background there is Mary Poppins’ carpet bag and the white umbrella that she held within the park / fair scene with subtle hints of magical detail surrounding it. Birds are a key part of the film and I have includes two within the softened background, as well as Berts’ blue bow-tie that rests against Mary’s bag. Nestled within the grass is the signature Matryoshka doll that references my first published collection.
Key characters from the story stand within the long grass, a disgruntled turtle and some penguins, of course! I deliberately left until last as it was a case of how on earth do you introduce such characters into such a beautiful scene without it looking random and stark. So what I have done is create a connection between one of the penguins and the horse where they are fixed on each other. There is subtle dream-like lighting detail and icons that are radiating off the penguin leading upwards to the horse, it creates something really wonderful and more importantly a talking point as to what is going on and why there is such a lovely affiliation.
For me it epitomises what I am conveying through this image, beauty, intrigue, freedom, hope and subtle randomness. The two central penguins are deep in conversation, possibly gossiping about their love-struck friend!
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- Released: 2021
- Collection: Storyteller
- Edition Size: 5 + 1AP
- Specification: Limited edition fine art print, hand signed by artist.
- Image Size: 36” x 27"
- Framed Size (Approx): 43 x 34"
-
- Get in touch for overseas delivery
- Please allow approximately 14 days for delivery, should you need delivery sooner please let us know.
 - Standard Limited Edition&media=https://markdaviesbritishartist.co.uk/cdn/shop/products/LAWR-Frame_600x.jpg?v=1640698890){kind=link}
Cast Off Your Shackles (Mary Poppins) - Standard Limited Edition
£415.00
- With this piece I wanted to focus on creating emotion and feeling within the scene rather than a deep concept. The horse that takes centre stage shows so much emotion and is deep in thought, majestic almost. My aim is to first see the beautiful horse in its’ surroundings and then notice the pole, painted saddle and the cracked skin to reveal signs of a darker past. Now that the horse has broken free it has cast off the shackles of yesterday and embracing the freedom that comes from that.
This is mirrored by the suggested relationship between Mary and Bert which shows a number of references to this and how they have brought what was once hidden into the open for all to see! Objects within the grass that typically shock are made to look beautiful as this is how the two love birds see what they have between each other.
What I have created is a scene based on the original narrative that is set in parkland on a beautiful English Summers’ day with the dome of St Pauls showing over the treetops. A racecourse extends across the composition with riders and horses thundering by. Light as always plays a key role here creating warmth and calm whilst the brighter areas are there to represent hope.
Butterflies flutter around the pole moving upwards, the style of these has been done in a way that relates to the flat colours of those used in the film as contrast to the background. Dandelions fill the grass to enhance the lightness and delicateness of the piece, there are tiny seed details where they are floating upwards. In the background there is Mary Poppins’ carpet bag and the white umbrella that she held within the park / fair scene with subtle hints of magical detail surrounding it. Birds are a key part of the film and I have includes two within the softened background, as well as Berts’ blue bow-tie that rests against Mary’s bag. Nestled within the grass is the signature Matryoshka doll that references my first published collection.
Key characters from the story stand within the long grass, a disgruntled turtle and some penguins, of course! I deliberately left until last as it was a case of how on earth do you introduce such characters into such a beautiful scene without it looking random and stark. So what I have done is create a connection between one of the penguins and the horse where they are fixed on each other. There is subtle dream-like lighting detail and icons that are radiating off the penguin leading upwards to the horse, it creates something really wonderful and more importantly a talking point as to what is going on and why there is such a lovely affiliation.
For me it epitomises what I am conveying through this image, beauty, intrigue, freedom, hope and subtle randomness. The two central penguins are deep in conversation, possibly gossiping about their love-struck friend!
-
- Released: 2021
- Collection: Storyteller
- Edition Size: 25 + 5AP
- Specification: Limited edition fine art print, hand signed by artist.
- Image Size: 25” x 18.5"
- Framed Size (Approx): 32” x 26"
-
- Get in touch for overseas delivery
- Please allow approximately 14 days for delivery, should you need delivery sooner please let us know.