Discover the Enchanting Art of CelticFlow:

A Journey through Ancient Celtic Inspiration

CelticFlow: Weaving Ancient Legends with Modern Flair

Jim Mccombie draws inspiration for his work from ancient Celtic art found in stone carvings and illuminated manuscripts. These traditional zoomorphic themes have been brought to life in a unique, colourful, three dimensional and deconstructed form which he has explored and developed over a number of years. The images are executed in oils on canvas using the Flemish technique of monochrome underpainting followed by many subsequent layers of transparent colour. This technique, using hand made artist quality oil paint, creates a sense of depth and vibrancy of colour.

 

“As a self-taught artist, I have found that my mission extends beyond personal expression. Through exhibiting my work, I strive to break down barriers in the art world, fostering a more inclusive and less elitist environment. I aim to encourage others emphasizing that artistic talent knows no formal bounds. By sharing my journey, I hope to inspire diverse voices and perspectives, making the art community a space where everyone’s creativity is celebrated and valued.

My creative journey recently has weaved through the intricate historic tapestry of Celtic art, drawing inspiration from illuminated manuscripts and examples of ancient stone carvings. Over the years, I have been captivated by the intricate knot work, animal/human representations, vibrant colours, and mystical symbolism found in Celtic art. My own artistic interpretation and expression of this ancient culture extends into the realm of oil painting, where I explore Celtic art further through abstract and deconstructed 3D representations, infusing them with vivid colours. My work represents a contemporary interpretation of this ancient art, breathing new life into age-old traditions with a modern twist. Through this fusion, I aim to bridge the gap between the past and present, creating a visual dialogue that resonates with both history and innovation.

My artistic process is deeply intuitive and fluid. I embrace experimentation and enjoy pushing the boundaries of traditional techniques. As a self-taught artist I enjoy using many mediums to create my work. My preferred medium is oil on canvas utilising a derivation of the Flemish technique, applying layers of transparent and semi-transparent colour over a monochrome underpainting. The use of handmade artist quality oil paints enhances the brilliance of my work.”