Artist applies and deconstructs oil on canvas to create beautiful figurative paintings

With a contemporary approach to painting, his famous methodology of deconstruction and reconstruction, through the peeling, disfiguring and re-layering of oil on canvas forms images of otherwise hidden expression.

His paintings arguably focus just as much on the medium of paint, and how it reacts with the surface, as they do on the subject of the painting. Through the veils of layers, achieved by continuously accumulating and scraping back the paint, a figure emerges as if to suggest how the sitter itself has become enveloped and partly obscured by the energy of the paint.

His work draws from sculptural influences, such as Manuel Neri as well as from colourists, such as Morandi. Melegari frequently uses a monochromatic palette to generate the idea that he is playing with the reduction of form: often abstracting and delineating parts to create a more non-figurative feel. He often uses this muted palette to replicate a sense of isolation and seclusion. He then applies paint liberally and without reserve: allowing it to drip spontaneously to both literally and symbolically mirror the personality of the sitter.

Exhibiting at the Edgar Modern gallery in Bath this October. In the meantime, watch the video below to see Carl at work or visit www.carlmelegari.co.uk to discover more.