Truth to tell though I’d rather discuss the building of a great collection. Great collections have all the attributes present in any good collection - good works, connecting theme - but they go further because so much attention has been paid to the visual language inherent within each good work chosen. Lines, colours, brushwork, lights, darks, size, weightiness, breathe, shine, transparence, opacity - all of these qualities have meaning. It is as if artists talk to one another across time, across cultures and without words. Once this visual language has been recognized and incorporated collecting becomes really exciting. Works are chosen and juxtaposed so that here is a fusion of content and visual language. Your collection will sing with undercurrents and crosscurrents of meaning creating a rich and subtle discourse on many more levels than are apparent at first glance. The richness of the work you own will grow with time.

On the walls at Peak Gallery until October 25th, my idea of a great collection. You are welcome to come, see and discuss.