Crispin Holder

Crispin Holder studied BAHons Fine Art in the mid 1990s. He then worked in the graphic design, digital print and 3D design industry for several years before returning full time to his first passion of painting.

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Crispin's interest lies in the definition of form and application of colour theory to create intriguing and challenging compositions. His thought process is inspired by everyday visual experiences and the idiosyncratic nature of human observation. He's always been drawn to bold, striking images where there is a precision of form, colour and edge. His work is meticulous and process heavy. Crispin always strives to achieve as close to a perfect execution of colour and definition as possible.

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All of Crispin's work is conceived and drawn on paper - he never uses a computer! He works in this way because the time spent developing a drawing offers the chance to question a composition and its colour interactions. If he were to work quickly on a computer this opportunity for deeper inquisition would be lost. Once satisfied, the composition is then first drawn in pencil and then painted by hand onto carefully prepared canvas or wooden panel. Many hours are then spent on the finer details of edge definition and tonal consistency until the painting is as flawless as can be achieved.

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Crispin's paintings are a celebration of colour, form and process. His aim is to produce work that stimulates the viewer, bringing visual pleasure and igniting individual reflection.

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"Where the Old Masters created an illusion of space into which one could imagine walking, the illusion created by a Modernist is one into which one can look, can travel through, but only with the eye." Clement Greenburg