Carl Melegari

Born in North Wales of Italian parentage, Carl currently lives in Bristol. His contemporary approach to painting explores both the human form and the urban landscape. primarily focusing on the semi-abstraction within the figure and becoming increasingly fascinated by the versatility of oil paint. Often working from life and models, Carl explores how the physicality of the paint combined with the density of pigment can give a sense of life radiating from the canvas: as if to evoke the vigour of the human form. His approach to painting explores the treatment and handling of paint whilst conveying expressionistic nudes and landscapes. His paintings arguably focus just as much on the medium of paint, and how it reacts with the surface, as they do on the subject of the painting. Through the veils of layers, achieved by continuously accumulating and scraping back the paint, a figure emerges as if to suggest how the sitter itself has become enveloped and partly obscured by the energy of the paint.

His work draws from sculptural influences, such as Manuel Neri as well as from colourists, such as Morandi. Melegari frequently uses a monochromatic palette to generate the idea that he is playing with the reduction of form: often abstracting and delineating parts to create a more non-figurative feel. He often uses this muted palette to replicate a sense of isolation and seclusion. He then applies paint liberally and without reserve: allowing it to drip spontaneously to both literally and symbolically mirror the personality of the sitter.

Selected Exhibitions

Mostra di Pittura di San Bonifacio – Italy
VI Premio Internazinale Citta di Soave – Italy The Salon Des Nations – Paris
The Albany Gallery – Cardiff
Royal West of England Academy – Bristol Affordable Art Fair, Bristol 2011-2017 Affordabble Art Fair, Battersea 2014-2107

Selected Bibliography
The Sketching and Drawing Bible – Marilyn Scott
The Artists Pocket Palette – North Light
The Perfect Drawing – Harper Collins
The Encyclopaedia of Drawing Techniques – Running Press How to Capture Movement in your Paintings – Arum