Simon Bull (British-born in 1958, became American citizen in 2011). "Songbird" - acrylic painting on canvas, 2016. Hand-signed "Simon Bull" followed by a heart in red pigment on the lower left. A breathtaking composition by Simon Bull, featuring a close-up view of an enormous floral blossom - its petals delineated in shades of violet, lavender, royal blue, and aqua with a central pistil of complementary lemon yellow, vermilion red, apricot orange, and blushing pink, all surrounded by painterly passages of spring green, buttercup and lemon yellow, rose red, petal pink, teal, aqua, royal blue, sky blue, and magenta. An outstanding and impressively large-scale painting by Simon Bull that is set in an attractive custom frame that makes an enthralling visual statement. Size: 36" L x 36" W (91.4 cm x 91.4 cm) Size of frame: 46" L x 46" W (116.8 cm x 116.8 cm)
Of note: Simon Bull was diagnosed with cancer in 2005, and following a surgery, he had visions of vibrant colors against dark backgrounds in his dreams. Bull's interpretation of his dreams was that he should enjoy life and live in the present moment. Perhaps it was this "stop and smell the roses moment" that inspired homages to nature like this example. In Bull's words, "We have to seize the day and live fully in this moment. When times get hard, sometimes it brings out the best in us." (Source: "Lessons Learned from Simon Bull" September 8, 2016 - Park West Gallery website)
Simon Bull earned a BA in Fine Art with honors from Leeds Polytechnic in 1980. He studied under Norman Webster and Norman Ackroyd. In addition to beautiful floral compositions like this example, Bull was invited to create a series of paintings celebrating Muhammed Ali in 2007 - and in 2009, Muhammad Ali commissioned Bull to paint portrait of President Barack Obama. According to Bull's website, "His two joint portraits of Barack Obama and Muhammad Ali were unveiled at the Kentucky Bluegrass Ball on the eve of the Presidential Inauguration in Washington DC by actress Ashley Judd."
Please note: this piece will be accompanied by a signed copy of "Journey: The Art of Simon Bull" by Simon Bull (2016).
This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.
Provenance: private R. H. collection, Littleton, Colorado, USA
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#166880
Condition
Both the painting and the frame are in excellent condition. The painting is hand-signed "Simon Bull" followed by a heart in red paint on the lower left. Title, date, and dimensions are handwritten on the verso of the canvas. Artwork is wired for suspension and ready to display.