 Hermetic Alchemical paintings of Adam McLeanAdam McLean is one of the few recognised experts on hermetic and alchemical symbolism. Since 1978 he has published over 50 books on hermeticism, alchemy and related matters, edited the long running Hermetic Journal in the 1980's, and now organises the largest and most comprehensive web site on alchemy. He also offers study courses on the interpretation of alchemical symbolism. He also has one of the largest collections of modern tarot decks and is very interested in the artwork of modern tarot. He is well known for his writings but perhaps not yet so recognised for his paintings. 
McLean as an artist is not one given up to exploring in a free or indulgent way his own ideas. He works essentially to restore and invigorate traditional hermetic and alchemical imagery. Although some of this ancient imagery has entered into the public area through being included as illustrations in popular books, the riches of this material are only available to experts and those researching into ancient manuscripts. McLean sees his task as an artist is to make modern facsimiles using the medium of oil paint of important hermetic and alchemical images from these ancient manuscripts, paintings and books. These follow the originals very closely and McLean always strives to create a painting that translates the original manuscript painting into the medium of oils. Most of these involve extremely detailed work. 
These are not paintings one has to stand well back from and squint to see what they represent, but rather one can stand right up close to appreciate the fine details. Many of these works cannot be merely copied as the originals in the manuscripts have either become damaged, the colours changed through time, or the original drawing having some inadequacies, therefore some works need to be reborn or restored from the original image. He has an especial interest in such manuscripts and has spent much time finding these rare items in libraries and special collections. Many of these marvellous images are totally unknown to most art historians. Over the summer of 2001 he made four paintings of alchemical laboratories based on the marvellous 17th century paintings of artists like David Teniers, but these will not be immediately available for sale.You can contact him by Email adam@alchemywebsite.com Or telephone (UK) (0) 141 429 5614 Or write to him at Adam McLean 15 Keir Street Glasgow, G41 2NP UK See my new Art Weblog Paintings for sale at present |