Shenfield Common, Essex II

Melvin Day’s lyrical account of an English wood was inspired by the work of Cézanne, who was informing the practices of many well-known New Zealand artists including Rita Angus, Toss Woollaston and Colin McCahon during this period. Using light washes of colour and sketchily drawn lines, Day creates a series of colourful curved forms without the use of tonal modelling or traditional perspectival techniques. The loose and gestural painting reflects Day's interest in the formal techniques of Cézanne's practice, rather than the romantic qualities which were explored by Toss Woollaston.

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