There is a nice review about my book ‘John Blockley-A Retrospective’(Batsford) by Henry Malt in this month’s Artist magazine.
“John Blockley was a pioneer of what we might call modern, muscular watercolour and a popular author, teacher and demonstrator. Even if his name is perhaps not as familiar as it was even a decade ago, his influence is felt today, not least through the work of his daughter Ann, who has compiled this retrospective. In print, John is best known for 1979’s The Challenge ofWatercolour and Watercolour Interpretations, published in 1987. The former had the limited number of colour illustrations typical of its time and the latter, while more copiously inclusive, does not really come up to modern standards. This nicely selected volume is, therefore, the first time John’s work has been given the treatment in print it merits. His paintings leap off the page and it is possible to appreciate the sheer impact of his use of colour. It’s a tour de force you won’t want to miss.”
Pennine Farm-water based mediums c 2001
The painting above (which is not featured in the book) was exhibited in the RI exhibition in 2001. It’s hanging on my wall at the moment but if anyone is interested in having it on their own wall do please email me at ann@annblockley.com . You can find the book in the shop section of my website.
