John Knapp Fisher

I recently borrowed a couple of small books with John Knapp-Fisher in the title. The first called John Knapp-Fisher's Pembrokeshire by himself was published in 1995 by the Senecio Press. There is an interesting foreward by Robin Bradbury who says
'To look at, and experience a John Knapp-Fisher painting is to enter a world we cannot describe linguistically' (pi)
Knapp-Fisher then goes on to describe in his own words how he evolved as an artist since moving to Pembrokeshire in the late 1960's. Although his subject matter and method of working has stayed the same (drawing from life and then developing the work in the studio), the format and materials have changed. In the 1970's it was watercolour and letter box shape, in the 80's more oil and bigger.

It is interesting to see just how small many of the works in this book are. Many are only 5" or 6" in one dimension and some only 3" square. He liked putting together many small images together to form what he called composites,
'The object of these composites is to suggest an almost op Art appearance when viewed from a distance and a mini exhibition when viewed closely.' (p26)
Much of his work he says is done out of the deep  feeling he has for the subject, especially the landscape immediately around him (and the influences of farming, fishing and other industries) rather that just depiction or making pretty pictures. He argues that good art should exist as well in Pembokeshire as well as any where else and that his work should stand alone regardless of the subject matter.
'Any painting that has an awareness of paint as a thing in itself; strong or vibrant composition; good structure of form or drawing; good tonal values and above all is exiting to look at, is to  a greater or lesser extent a good painting.' (p23)
The majority of the rest of the book shows a representation of his drawing and painting up to that date.

The second book is called 'Pembrokeshire Churches-Described by Michael Fitzgerald. Paintings by John Knapp-Fisher'1985(Rosedale publications). And it is exactly what it says on the tin. All the sketches were done on the spot and include internal and external views of a selection of the churches, some in black and white and some in colour.

There is not a lot to say other than that some of the images are a lot better than others and some of the interior views especially leave a lot to be desired.