Ed Sheeran might be best known for his abilities as a singer and songwriter, but he also has another passion for painting. BBC News reports that the star has created several paintings in an abstract impressionist style, which are on display at the Heni gallery in London, titled ‘Cosmic Carpark Paintings’.
The admission is free and the works will be displayed until 1 August, with no prior appointment needed. The paintings are large abstract works created by energetically splashing or pouring paint directly onto the canvas.
The influence of the artist Jackson Pollock on his work is obvious. Pollock (1912-1956) was an American painter who pioneered the abstract expressionist movement. His paintings are celebrated for their ability to evoke the psychological chaos of a troubled, inspired, anxious and sometimes hopeful mind.
Like Sheeran, Pollock worked by splashing, dripping and pouring pigments and liquids onto the canvas from above. He also added depth and texture by using trowels, knives or sticks. Art critics agree that his work transcends the personal and captures something of the human response to a rapidly changing world.
Sheeran commented: “When I was growing up, both of my parents worked in art, so I’ve naturally always been interested in it, and I always enjoyed studying art at school. I was back and forth on tour last year, and I used a lot of my downtime in the UK to paint.”
Limited edition giclée prints are available, and a share of the profits will be donated to the Ed Sheeran Foundation, a UK-wide initiative that provides high-quality musical education for children.
Tips for framing giclée prints
Giclée (pronounced ‘zhee-clay’) prints are high-quality digital reproductions of original artwork, with a beautiful level of detail and depth of colour. The term comes from the French word ‘giclée’, which means ‘to spray’. This refers to the inkjet printing process that is used to produce the print.
Giclée prints tend to be more expensive than standard prints, but this is because of the high quality of production. The inks and paper are resistant to fading and yellowing, and the colour quality matches that of the original painting. The paper is also considered carefully to match the style of the artwork, such as smooth matt or a textured finish.
Giclée prints are fine art prints that allow collectors to acquire premium quality but more affordable versions of original artworks. It also works well for artists, because they can sell reproductions of their work at an affordable price and to a high standard.
To get the most out of your print, choose the frame carefully. Although the prints are lightfast, they may eventually fade under direct exposure to UV light. Therefore it is important to opt for museum glass that protects the print from harmful UV rays. When hanging the print, avoid strong sunlight or humid environments like bathrooms and kitchens.
The actual style of the frame should be led by the print itself. For example, modern or abstract prints may suit a slim black or white frame, while more traditional pieces will be shown off beautifully by natural wood.
It’s worth investing in custom framing, particularly if the piece is an investment or an unusual size, or you just really love it and want to show it off professionally. If you’d like some more advice about bespoke picture framing, please drop into our framing shop in west London.