John’s book, Journey Into Abstraction is now available. Images shown below are a selection of those included in the book.
Reviews of Journey into Abstraction
“Just a fella who paints pictures” is how artist John Sprakes describes himself, but John’s work is very much more complex than that. Journey into Abstraction describes John’s journey from figurative painting to abstract, revealing a fascinating insight into the work of one of Britain’s leading artist. From his early years and time spent at Edinburgh College of Art and in National Service right up to the present day, this beautifully produced book is lavishly illustrated with many of John’s paintings, reproduced next to verses of the poetry that has inspired him. Leisure Painter magazine
John Sprakes’ development as an artist has taken him through the figurative, the derivative and finally into abstraction. Throughout his artistic journey he has pursued a personal vision full of movement, colour, texture, mixed media, scale and gesture. Figurative or abstract, John’s paintings focus on his responses to the real world and much of his work reflects the impact on him of the light, colour, shapes and textures of the landscapes of Norfolk, Suffolk and Northumberland, still constant sourves of inspiration for him. This book offers a remarkable insight into the development of the vibrant abstract language of this leading 20th-century British artist. Sally Bulgin, The Artist magazine
‘Journey Into Abstraction’ is a retrospective and comprehensive biographical cornucopia of John’s work, incorporating music from Patrick Sprakes (go here to listen) and poetry from writers selected by John; Graham Best, Ted Fairclough, Monty Martin, John Micallef, Jerry Prince, Dawn Reed, Moira Trafford and James Usher.
“John’s Journey has taken him through the figurative and derivative, into abstraction and has allowed him to pursue a personal vision that is full of movement, colour, texture, mixed media, scale and gesture. This book offers a fascinating insight into the development of the vibrant abstract language of this leading figure in 20th century British art. John’s paintings are always focussed on communicating his responses to the real world. He has an incredible draughtsmanship and innate understanding that drawing is a powerful act of discovery.” Dr Sally Bulgin, publisher and editor of The Artist magazine.
256 pages. Hardback H29 x W27 x D2.5cm
Published by Martha’s Press
Price: £35 plus postage
– UK customers only (UK postage is £5)
John Sprakes Fine Art 