The Light in Suburbia: A Year of Lockdown Paintings

During the March 2020 lockdown,Ian Beck took walks with his greyhound Gracie in the early morning streets of Isleworth, west London. Inspired by the light and silence, he began painting the scenes around him, capturing the beauty of the unprepossessing everyday. The Light in Suburbia collects sixty of his paintings from this period, showcasing his attempt to capture the essence of his year in lockdown.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2022
Publisher: Unbound

Ian Beck embarked on a transformative journey during the early months of the March 2020 lockdown, as he walked his beloved greyhound Gracie through the serene streets of Isleworth, a west London suburb. The once familiar surroundings took on a newfound significance, igniting a spark of inspiration within Ian that had lain dormant since his college days in the sixties. Captivated by the newfound tranquility and absence of noise, Ian decided to embark on a creative endeavor, picking up his paintbrush once again.

The once ordinary suburban streets, trees, fences, shrubs, and overgrown alleyways underwent a remarkable transformation under Ian's skilled brushstrokes. The quiet intensity of his lockdown paintings imbued these everyday elements with a profound sense of beauty and meaning. He even ventured into the realm of interior scenes, capturing the moon's soft glow filtering through a bedroom window, the intricate details of mantelpieces, and the eerie ambiance of back gardens at dusk.

As the year unfolded, the seasons changed, bringing with them their distinct hues and moods. The crisp light of spring gave way to the hazy warmth of summer, and the melancholic embrace of autumn fogs enveloped the landscape. The Light in Suburbia is a captivating collection that showcases sixty of Ian's paintings from this transformative period. It serves as a remarkable testament to his year-long endeavor to capture the inherent beauty found in the seemingly mundane aspects of everyday life.

Through his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to evoke a sense of wonder and emotion, Ian's paintings transport viewers into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Each brushstroke reveals a deeper appreciation for the subtle nuances and hidden wonders that surround us, reminding us of the beauty that can be found even in the most unexpected places.

The Light in Suburbia is a testament to Ian's artistic prowess and his unwavering commitment to his craft. It invites us to pause, reflect, and discover the beauty that lies within the ordinary, reminding us of the power of art to transform and inspire. As we navigate the challenges and uncertainties of the present, Ian's paintings serve as a source of solace, offering a glimpse into a world where the light shines brighter and the possibilities are endless.

Weight: 536g
Dimension: 210 x 296 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800181533