H. Lloyd Weston, a Jamaican-born Expressionist Artist, developed his creative talents early, drawing inspiration from the vibrant colors of his homeland. His artistic journey took him from university studies in the U.S. to further education in London, Paris, and Rome, where he was influenced by Impressionism, particularly Monet’s use of color. Under the mentorship of Abstract Expressionist Joseph Stapelton in New York who referred to Weston as an artist unique, an amalgam of painting, poetry and storytelling. Weston honed a distinctive style marked by bold, swirling movements and dynamic color. His work, reflecting the rhythm of nature, has been exhibited in prestigious museums worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art of Latin America and the National Gallery of Jamaica. A career highlight was his commission for Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. Weston’s art is celebrated globally, and he continues to create in Connecticut, U.S.A.
H. Lloyd Weston in his studio
A Life in Color and Words The Journey of a Painter, Poet, and Author: H. Lloyd Weston
I was born an artist. I knew that I was different from my brothers and sisters. I was sensitive and introspective. I had great appreciation for life and felt great Joy while growing up in Jamaica. I was blessed that I could wake up every day to the sight of blue skies and the touch of gentle breezes. As I grew in life, my various talents started to emerge. As a child, I discovered that I could sing. I sang on the radio and other venues. I also acted in the pantomimes at Christmastime. For me all these activities were fun. I loved this world and wanted to be a part of it; part of what it meant to be free, free to be an artist. As I matured, I discovered my ability to write and also to draw. I explored these gifts during my university years at Fairleigh Dickinson University, in the U. S. A. I registered for a course in elementary painting, but the professor sarcastically said to me that I was only taking his course for easy credits. By stating thus, he he indirectly informed me that I had the talent for art. I felt reassured, as I was already drawing and making figurative sketches in my note books, while growing up in Jamaica. The tropical colours made a deep impression upon my psyche and would serve as a very important factor in my art. Every day I revelled in the beauty that surrounded me.
From then on, I viewed the world only through the prism of colour. The movement that would eventually emerge in my art came directly from observing the swaying palm trees that surrounded our home. After graduating from the university, I decided to explore my art career more seriously. I then embarked upon independent studies in London, Paris and Rome. In Paris I was exposed to the Impressionist school of Art. I loved Monet’s use of colour and the nature scenes he painted. I returned to the U.S.A. and studied Abstract Expressionism with Joseph Stapelton at the Art Students League, New York. Professor Stapelton became my mentor and guided me through the learning process. He even had an exhibition of my paintings at the gallery of the Art Students League, while I was a student there. From then on I would participate in many prestigious museum and gallery exhibitions worldwide. From New York to Tokyo, Europe to the Caribbean. Highlights of My career include exhibitions at the Museum of Modern art of Latin America, Washington, D. C.
The United Nations, New York, Roy Miles Gallery, London, U.K. The National Arts Club, New York, Gallery Steigenberger, Berlin, Germany, Galleria, Ca D’oro, Rome, Italy and the National Gallery, Kingston, Jamaica.
The most important highlights, however, was the painting I was commissioned to do for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, and to whom I was presented in a gala ceremony at Grosvenor House, London, U.K.
H. Lloyd Weston’s artworks have been featured in many news papers and magazines across the globe. His artworks reside in important collections worldwide. He resides in Connecticut, U.S.A.
Figure in A Yellow Bathing Suit
This painting was inspired by the torso of a female mannequin. To be able to capture the appeal of this torso was a challenge for me. I put my imagination to work in order to capture the essence of the curves and angles of this particular torso. I wanted to make it look as real as that of a woman’s anatomy. My imagination afforded me the ability to replicate the same qualities on canvas in a more heightened, abstract manner. Colours interact with each other to highlight the curves and angles of this particular work.
Blue Trees in A Forest
The painting, Blue Trees in A Forest, is a continuation of the theme regarding the Birch trees that surrounded my property in the mountains of Effort, Pennsylvania. I could not help, but being inspired by the ubiquitous presence of these special trees. They provided me with a certain feeling of tranquillity and joy. They also served as the playground for song birds from spring through fall. Once I embarked upon the task of capturing these trees on canvas my imagination led me into various forms of abstractions. This painting represents a modern artwork whose colours echo back to the beautiful Impressionist School of Art.
The Rickshaw Man
The painting of the Rickshaw Man in Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong, turned out to be a painting of historic significance. While visiting Hong Kong back in the mid 90’s I was terribly impressed by the sight of the rickshaw man, waiting to take his human passengers on a ride through the streets of Hong Kong. This sight was a novelty to me as I had never seen a sight like that before. I engaged the rickshaw man in conversation, not to go on a ride, but to get to know him. I was fascinated and decided I had to paint him. He gave me permission to take photos that were used to make the painting. In The year 1997, Hong Kong was handed back by the British to the Chinese Government. There are no more rickshaw men in present day Hong Kong.
The White Orchid
The white Orchid is a continuum of the Yellow orchid series. After my visit to the orchid gardens of Singapore, the awesome variety of orchids that I discovered at the botanical gardens that day excited my psyche and inspired my desire to paint a whole series of these exotic flowers. I used my imagination to create a unique painting. The White Orchid is a painting endowed with emotion and expressiveness. Orchids have a way of titillating our psyches. I had to find a way to make this orchid bloom on the canvas. I sincerely hope that I achieved that objective.
Branches with Blooming Colours
My painting, Branches with Blooming Colour, is a strictly an imaginative work which further exemplifies my love of nature and its impact upon our psyches. Instead of flowers blooming on a branch, I decided to create an original harmonious colour scheme, to replace the colour of flowers or fruits that we usually associate with things blooming on a branch, therefore the title, Branches with Blooming Colours, an engaging work with visual appeal.
Road Through a Forest
This abstract painting was inspired by the Birch trees surrounding my property at Whispering Hills Court, in the town of Effort, Pennsylvania. This was my residence from the year 2004 to the year 2020. Every morning when I walked around the property, I was greeted by the sight of the peeling of the bark of the gray ash coloured skin of the Birch trees. These were more than ornamental trees as they also provided a refuge for the song birds that made their homes in those trees. It was easy for me to take my easel outdoor and capture those beautiful trees on canvas.
Flowers at Sunset
Flowers at Sunset, is a painting that was executed in the Expressionist Style of art; colour and movement are the chief characteristics of this painting. The work was inspired by a field of tulips while on a visit to friends in the southern town of Maastricht, the Netherlands. We took a day trip up to Amsterdam and stopped at a garden famous for their tulips. Luckily that day it happened at the propitious time at sunset. I had never seen a more extraordinary sight; a profusion of colourful tulips bursting against the backdrop of a blazing sunset. I was inspired! I knew I had to capture that scene on canvas. I took photographs and committed the impact of its power to memory, imagination being the prerogative of the artist.
Out of Many Colours
Out of Many Colours is a play on Jamaica’s National Motto, Out of Many One People. Jamaica is a unique country where the blending of different races, nationalities and cultures contribute to the making of a unique country. It is a country where everyone dwells in peace and harmony, primarily; where no one is black or white or Indian etc. Everyone is regarded as a Jamaican. It is not until one travels out of that island that one is cognizant of racial differences. As a result, it would appear that Jamaicans can relate to anyone, anywhere in the world. I wish the entire world could adopt this philosophy, “Out of Many, one People.” There would be less prejudice and hatred in the world.
The Yellow Orchid
I was lost in the variety of colours exuded by the orchids on my visit to the botanical gardens of Singapore. It was like strolling through a man-made paradise of infinite beauty. Being a lover of nature, I was deeply impressed by the different variety of orchids. I had never seen such beautiful orchids before. They stimulated my psyche and inspired me to do a whole series of orchid paintings. I could never forget the experience of walking through the gardens of Singapore. My painting: The Yellow Orchid is a great remembrance.
AUTUMN SONATA
Autumn Sonata represents the lush richness of fall colours that paint the New England landscape of the United States, from the beautiful state of Connecticut to the most northern state of Maine. The glory of autumn is on full display for all to appreciate and enjoy. Being a creative person, I am no exception to the plethora of fine artists inspired by the exquisite scenes of beauty that occur when autumn descends upon the New England landscape. It is as if the trees are screaming. “Paint me, paint me, please!” The result my painting: Autumn Sonata.
THE ITALIAN LANDSCAPE
The Italian Landscape was inspired by a trip to Tuscany, Italy. I had Italian friends who lived there and who took me to paint that particular scene. It was breath-taking. I had never seen a more beautiful and unique landscape in the all the world. For me it was a nature paradise of rolling hills and vertical pine trees. I was inspired to capture the immediacy of this particular landscape by using the subtlety of colours and aerial perspective. There are aspects of abstractions combined with real life images that give the painting its visual appeal.
