Contrasting yet complimentary this is a (relatively) small but exciting exhibition currently showing at the Traffic Jam Galleries.

Giese, an artist from the northern rivers, in this exhibition concentrates on animals as his subject. Using mixed media on polycotton the canvases range from medium to large in size.

A couple are hung facing outwards in the windows to be visible from the street. They are vibrant and colourful .One might perhaps think they are painted in watercolours .There is a dynamic, bold use of line, shape and colour to depict the expressions of various animals.

There are beautiful puppies with huge, sad eyes and a possible manga influence- ‘Looking Into It’ . You take a step back when looking at the urgent, rushing picture of the bull and another of the horse , almost expecting them to charge you.

There is an unusual painting, rather delicate, of red and yellow cows- ‘Circle of Life’ and a delightful one of a grinning horse- ‘Reflection’ with a snowflake like dappled, leafy background.

Dean Vella from Broken Hill, has a mix of subjects displayed including still lifes , landscapes and animals. He uses acrylics and oils on his canvases.The works could be considered somewhat darker in emotional tone to those by Giese.

There is a possible Pollock , Drysdale and Nolan influence in his bold technique and his use, at time, of thick, swirling paint. Vella’s works aren’t framed, rather the paint continues on the side of the stretched canvas.The Pollock like ‘Explosion of Flowers’ does just that, almost blooming off the canvas like fireworks.

Other wonderful vase and flower paintings are included as well in the exhibition. ‘Puppy Bum’ features a dynamic black puppy with a red collar against a yellow background.

‘Exploding Crow –George’s Pet Crow’ is semi abstract yet you can see and feel the wings vividly textured against the black background.’

‘Bird Shadow’ is a small puppy with a large red looming shadow against a yellow background. It feels as if the puppy is waiting at your feet .

A delightful exhibition. The exhibition by John Giese and Dean Vella runs at the Traffic Jam Galleries, 41 Military Road, Nuetral Bay until the 28th May.

For more about John Giese and Dean Vella at Traffic Jam Galleries, visit http://www.trafficjamgalleries.com/