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Simon Bailey

Simon Bailey is a landscape painter based in South London, known for his use of vibrant oil paints to depict clouds and trees, his preferred subject matter. His fascination with colour began during his A-Level art studies, where he found inspiration in the work of Henri Matisse. The piece that first captivated him was The Snail, with its bold blocks of colour and the hidden detail of a small snail, sparking his appreciation for Matisse’s innovative approach.

Growing up with dyslexia presented challenges in school, but Simon now views it as his superpower. It allows him to recognize patterns, perceive things in unique ways, and create unconventional combinations—qualities that enrich his creativity.

After college, Simon spent several years as a bass player in bands, performing across London and the UK. His band had a music studio in the arches at Clapham Junction, a period he recalls as some of the best years of his life. During one rehearsal, he tried to explain to his bandmates how he could hear songs in colour—a concept they found amusing but difficult to grasp.

Music remains an integral part of Simon’s creative process, providing a calm and inspiring environment for his painting. It helps him relax, fostering a mental state where his creativity can flow freely. Different melodies and rhythms evoke specific colours and shapes in his mind, guiding his brushstrokes and palette choices. This synesthetic connection transforms sound into colour, enriching his work with a dynamic interplay of tones.

Each genre and song brings its own mood, influencing the emotions expressed in his paintings. Whether inspired by the lively tempo of an upbeat track or the soothing tones of a ballad, music shapes the atmosphere of his work, allowing him to convey a wide range of feelings—from joy and tranquillity to introspection and nostalgia.

For Simon, music is far more than a backdrop; it is a vital element of his artistic process, enabling him to visualize, relax, and translate diverse moods into the landscapes he creates.

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