John Goodlad - “Gardener’s Tools”, 2020
A small and distinctive still life by Manchester artist John Goodlad, painted in 2020. The composition depicts a group of gardening tools arranged against a loosely suggested shed or workshop interior. A ladder, spade, fork and curved-handled implement are reduced to strong verticals and expressive black outlines, set against warm ochre, cream, grey and touches of green.
Goodlad’s direct handling and simplified forms give the modest subject a strong graphic presence. Areas of exposed printed ground remain visible beneath the paint, adding texture and reinforcing the work’s informal, experimental character. Although Goodlad is particularly associated with Northern streets and groups of figures, this intimate painting applies the same lively line, compressed space and observational warmth to the everyday objects of working life.
About the Artist
John Goodlad is a contemporary British painter associated with Manchester and the Northern painting tradition. He returned to art education later in life and studied at Manchester Metropolitan University. His work is known for simplified forms, expressive outlines and an interest in everyday British subjects.
Goodlad’s paintings often show the influence of L. S. Lowry in their direct observation, compressed space and narrative character, while retaining an individual use of colour and line. “Gardener’s Tools” shows this approach applied to a compact still-life subject.
Details
- Artist: John Goodlad
- Title: “Gardener’s Tools”
- Date: 2020
- Medium: Oil on board
- Support: Board
- Signature: Signed lower left
- Artwork size: 18 × 13 cm (7.1 × 5.1 in)
- Frame size: 37.5 × 28.5 cm (14.8 × 11.2 in)
- Presentation: Behind glass, white mount, deep grey box frame
- Condition: Artwork and frame both in excellent condition
- Provenance: Certificate of Authenticity attached to the reverse
Ready to hang.
