NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE.- Opus Art launches The Season of Still Life with two highly acclaimed artists, Darren Baker and Chris Kettle. Their forthcoming solo exhibitions showcase the unique approach that each artist takes to the genre through their distinctive, engaging techniques developed from a combination of classical and contemporary influences.

The Season of Still Life opens with Darren Baker’s ‘Photographic Realism.’ Building on the themes of architecture and Still Life within a classical realism genre, the subject of each work captivates its audience with a silent energy, creating a unique composition influenced by both the classical Dutch Masters and the contemporary Realist School.

Baker reached international stature at the age of 23 when he was invited to show his paintings at a UK millennium event in New York, in the same year that he was appointed official artist of The Professional Footballer’s Association. He has since been commissioned by numerous celebrities including Lewis Hamilton, Prince Naseem and Jonny Wilkinson and most recently asked to paint a portrait of HRH Queen Elizabeth II. He is also an official artist for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Continuing the season, Brighton based artist Chris Kettle presents ‘Illusions of Grandeur’. Notorious for his subversive approach to Still Life, Kettle’s exhibition builds upon his inspiration from Dutch Masters by reworking classical symbols into his own dark, distinctive style. The engaging works are both touching and humorous, providing a personal sentiment to the genre. Having exhibited at Kounter Kulture art fair in London last October, Kettle has also has shown in Gstaad, New York and Milan.

Don Smith of Opus Art said, “As a genre, Still Life does not receive the attention it deserves. Our Season of Still Life in contrast celebrates it, showcasing two hugely successful artists who have single-handedly demonstrated that Still Life is very much alive.”