Urban Cave Paintings

My transition from wildlife art into contemporary art was a series entitled "Urban Cave Paintings." I combined my love of wildlife, my fascination with prehistoric cave paintings, and my new passion for concrete blocks. This series answered the question, "What if you bought a house and went into the basement, only to discover a cache of ancient cave paintings?"

Urban Cave Painting: Wounded Stag (Lascaux)     acrylic on silk    60 x 40 inches

In 1991, this painting was shown in the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum's "Wildlife: an Artist's Perspective" and was chosen for their world tour. It was the first time one of my cinder block paintings was exhibited, so it was a proud moment for me. In the catalog, the reviewer wrote:

“...Another unusual work is “Urban Cave Painting:  Wounded Stag” by Nolan Haan.  The only wildlife in sight is a crudely rendered prehistoric antelope on a cinder block wall.  All of this is rendered in acrylic on silk in perfect illusionistic detail.  It is one of the few works in the show with depth of content.”  

                                                       —Ron Netsky, Professor of Art, Nazareth College

This is how the painting looks draped, prior to stretching on stretcher bars. I decided to base this series on famous cave paintings from around the world, often taking artist liberties with the color and design. The next painting featured the swimming deer, also from Lascaux.

Urban Cave Painting: Swimming Deer    acrylic on silk    40 x 60 inches

Urban Cave Painting: Elk and Horses     acrylic on silk    40 x 60 inches

I took some liberties with Elk and Horses. After studying the typical stylistic proportions the ancients used, such as small heads, distended bellies, and tiny, thin legs, I created my own horses. Apologies to Lascaux for presuming to improve and their design.

Urban Cave Painting: Falling Cow (Lascaux)     acrylic on silk     40 x 60 inches

Urban Cave Painting: the Hunters     acrylic on silk     36 x 72 inches (diptych)

The Hunters is based on cave art found in Africa. I found the depictions of humans (rare in Europe) to be very contemporary in design.

Urban Cave Painting: Spot lit Bull     acrylic on silk     40 x 60 inches

I conclude my blog today with one of my favorites: the Spot lit Bull. I hope you have enjoyed exploring my urban caves. Please bookmark this page so you can find me again and please come back often. I'd love to hear from you with any questions or comments, and don't forget to visit my website: AddictedToWalls.com. Take care and have a good week.