Your Photos On Canvas

Profile of Julian Opie, Visual Artist (b.1958 London, England)

Julian Opie studied at Goldsmiths College School of Art, University of London, ranked as one of the top UK universities for the study of media and communications. He spent three years there from 1979 to 1982, and held his first one man show in 1983, attracting immediate attention and success. He has since exhibited widely in Europe and the United States.

Opie considers all of his works as 'paintings' even though they may not be pictures on canvas in the traditional sense. He 'paints' using a variety of media and technologies, including computer animation and LED (light-emitting diode) displays.

He reduces the familiar icons of urban, suburban and rural daily life to their most essential lines and color planes, flattening surfaces and omitting details. The resulting images become in effect pictograms with bold lines, clean edges, and bright surfaces.

Using computer animation or LED (light-emitting diode) displays, he creates startling life-size three-dimensional sculptures which look like animated line drawings.

Opie's unique interpretation of what constitutes a painting was influenced by media as diverse as billboard signs, classical portraiture and sculpture. He also acknowledges his delight in Japanese Manga comics and the Adventures of Tintin created by the Belgian artist known as Hergé.

Many of Opie's works are much larger than life size and appear displayed stories up on buildings or mounted at sidewalk level. Some even include electronic music.

His strolling or dancing line figures are very engaging and in spite of having only minimal features have distinct personalities and quirks. There is an element of surprise and humor in viewing what are usually seen as stick or line figures in effect "coming to life".

Own a Personal Opie Picture on Canvas

That magic element of recognition of personality in a minimalist line drawing is what makes a picture on canvas in the style of Opie not only a hip design work of art for your home but a way to create a unique portrait of someone you know and love.

A close-up full-face photo of your chosen subject or a full length profile photo in the hands of the editors of Paint Your Life's Your Photos on Canvas gallery website will turn your digital photo into an Opie character which is still uncannily recognizable as the person you photographed.

Your family member or significant other will be delighted to become a larger than life Opie style picture on canvas on the wall of your home or office. It's a unique way to create a timeless record and memory of someone you care about.