People, places are recurring themes, then nature, nudes and more. I work with acrylic colours on paper. Over time I’ve gone from representational to bold expression. I seek movement, expressive brushwork, a composition balanced onto itself. That’s when it’s complete and that’s the message I share.

MICHEL GORDON TARDIO

acrylic inks & graphite on acid free watercolour paper, 180gm,  14.75 x 20.5 in., 37.5 x 52 cm.
This painting goes back to a time I was living on the east coast of Malaysia, taking my inspirations from the sea in front of me. This is one of the experiments done then attempting to capture the thickness of the warm tropical ocean.
The close up picture is to get a feel for the texture, graphite, and brush strokes of the painting.


Acrylic Inks

Graphite

Painting

Ocean

acrylic ink ,  14.75 x 21.75 in., 37.5 x 55.2 cm.
Semi abstract painting inspired by a typical Malaysian seaside view. Here the Island is Tioman, a famous holiday landmark and an impressive Island.
The abstract swirls of moving water really represent for me the mood of the untamed parts of this Island while placing it in a firm horizon context, island and clouds. I did a few different versions of this basic theme. 
The close up photo gives a better sense of the brush strokes.
Then there’s  me holding up the painting for perspective.


Acid free Paper

Abstract

acrylic colour on acid free watercolor paper, 300 gm weight,  15 x 22 in., 38 x 56.5 cm
The idea came from one of my many sketching exercises, here figure and movement. I’m working in semi abstract here, as usual. This is figure work, movement, dance, water, sun.
The close up picture is to get a feel for the texture and brush strokes of the painting. Then there’s the work in progress, and the photoshoot. 


Acrylic

Nude

Swimming

Golden and Liquidex pro acrylic colours on cold pressed Fabriano artistico cotton watercololur paper, acid free, 285gm.  22 x 30 in., 56 x 76cm.
This is a nice cotton paper, thick, textured and bright.
Group nude. Interesting composition and a good study for expressive brush stroke and random colour play.  
The close up pictures allow you a better feel for the texture and brush stroke of the painting. Then there’s the work in progress, and me with the project for perspective.


300gsm cotton paper

Body

acrylic colour on acid free watercolour paper 285gm weight, 19.75 x 25.75 in , 50.5 x 65 cm.
Indian dance. A fascinating subject I love to return to for the poses,the body language, colourful outfits, the décor and setting. Here I zoom in on the dancer, and explore movement and colour. 
I wish to thank Sam for his inspiring and moving photos @Sam Kumar Photography, and miragefilms. 
The close up pictures are to get a feel for the texture and brush strokes of the painting.
Then there’s the work in progress and me with the artwork for perspective.


Dancer

Acrylic colour on acid free watercolour paper 300gm weight , 8 x 11.5 in,  21 x 29cm
Small projects in A4 size are great to work out ideas, and just as a way of keeping in touch with colour and paper. Here I also exercise a more loose approach to applying the color, more expressionist. The simpler result can be quite refreshing. 
Please note the splash of magenta spots are in reality hot pink and a stunning contrast to the elephants browns, and to the white background as well. Sadly I just can’t bring out the pink fluorescence colour in the photo, sadly.
The close up picture is to give a better sense of the paint, paper and the brush stroke.
Then there’s a studio photo with the work in progress.
Packaging for my small paintings like this one is sealed in plastic sleeve, sealed in a padded hard plastic file case, and in an envelope.

Elephant

Acrylic colour on acid free watercolour paper 300gm weight , 8 x 11.5 in,  21 x 29cm
Small projects in A4 size are great to work out ideas, and just as a way of keeping in touch with colour and paper. Here I also try to exercise a more loose approach to applying the color. The simpler result can be quite refreshing.
Here my cats are my subject…
The close up picture gives a better sense of the paint, paper and the brush stroke. Then there’s the work in progress.
Packaging for my small paintings like this one is sealed in plastic sleeve, sealed in a padded hard plastic file case, and in an envelope.

Cats

Acrylic colour on cold pressed 300gm Fabriano watercolour paper, acid free, 22 x 30 in., 56 x 76 cm
I have, or had some old photos of mine from Myanmar. As they slowly decayed I tried to figure how I would express them in painting. This is one of those scenes.
Myanmar can be a visual feast… an inspiration for art of people, architecture, culture. I’m looking forward to the day I can do the journey back there to collect more inspirations. 
The close up pictures are to get a feel for the texture and brush strokes of the painting. Then there’s the work in progress, and me with the painting for perspective.


Peoples

Market

Acrylic colour on cold pressed 300gm Fabriano watercolour paper, acid free, 22 x 30 in., 56 x 76 cm
Myanmar can be a visual feast… the people, culture, architecture, landscapes, the colours. The place always has such a nice mood about it. Thanks Don, Sally for the inspiring photos…. saves me the time and expense that I don’t have for returning to that country for now. 
The close up pictures are to get a feel for the texture and brush strokes of the painting. Then there’s the work in progress. And that’s me in holding up the painting to put things into perspective.


GORDON T

ABOUT ME