Modern Life reflects Simon's evolution as an artist, combining his impressive figurative technique with a freer style and bold use of colour.
Life drawing was a fundamental part of Simon's artistic training, and the importance of an accurate technical representation of body physiology was vital. While it taught him how to draw well, he feels it was quite restrictive, and emotionally one-dimensional. With this collection, Simon wanted to draw on his technical ability but bring more expression, feeling, and humanity to the subject.
Inspired by the great artists Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele, both schooled in the same traditional artistic techniques, but who are known for capturing the female form in striking and provocative poses, using a combination of life drawing, vibrant colours and techniques drawn from non-traditional artistic areas (e.g. decorative arts), Simon’s evolution has echoes of their artistic journeys.
Through the creative process, he has experimented with composition, texture, and colour to arrive at a collection which brings the subjects to life, and creates an emotional connection with the viewer.
In Simon's own words, "It comes from my classical training and trying to break free with a less restrictive and more expressive form. I am very drawn to colour, and I've tried to incorporate it into these pieces using a resin, as it's very difficult to control and therefore naturally makes me have to be less controlled with an element of chance…it brings a more organic, free feeling to my work."
As an artist, Simon Lean has always had a passion for expressing himself through a variety of mediums. Coming from a family with a rich artistic heritage which includes his grandfather, an author and contemporary of literary greats such as Tolkien and CS Lewis, and head of BBC foreign service, and his great uncle the film director Sir David Lean, Simon has never felt compelled to conform to a single artistic medium.
Originally starting with scientific illustration, his work over the last 20 years includes painting, sculpture, graphic design, special effects for film, and antique restoration. Simon has been driven to master the intricacies of various techniques and materials, from charcoal to oil painting to metal and more, bringing his unique perspective to each piece of art he creates.
Born in Chichester in the South of England, Simon was classically trained in scientific illustration at Middlesex University, the leading school in the world at the time for this subject. From this Simon has always been drawn to the natural world and highly detailed figurative work, yet still bringing his own interpretation and sharing the soul of the subject.
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