Music in a Garden
About this artwork
Wells had a very keen interest in music. This work is thought to have been inspired by his friend, the artist Sven Berlin, dancing to music in his garden. Wells was interested in the parallels between abstract painting and the structure of music, in terms of the use of rhythm, balance and tension. He also studied mathematical systems of proportion and used geometry in his paintings and collages. In this painting a grid marked in pencil can be seen beneath the paint; this was used to help create a balanced and harmonious composition.
Updated before 2020
-
artist:John Wells (1907 - 2000) English
-
title:Music in a Garden
-
date created:1947
-
materials:Oil and pencil on canvas
-
measurements:50.80 x 60.90 cm; Framed: 76.00 x 86.20 x 4.90 cm
-
object type:
-
credit line:Bequeathed by John Wells 2000; received 2001
-
accession number:GMA 4422
-
gallery:
-
subject:
-
artwork photographed by:Antonia Reeve
John Wells
John Wells
Wells was born in London and grew up in Sussex. He took evening classes in art while studying medicine in London from 1925 to 1930 and later worked as a doctor on the Isles of Scilly for nine years, saving money so he would be able to work full time as an artist. In 1928 Wells met the artists Ben...