'Swedish revelation'
On his arrival in Sweden Denis found it difficult to secure a suitable studio. He and his future wife decided to move from the center of Stockholm and relocate to the Swedish archipelago. They settled in a small provisional town located within 45 minutes from the Capital. Still unable to find a space big enough to paint large oils he began sketching the surrounding landscape with the intention of painting small watercolour references. He began the series of paintings in November 1994. Utilizing the methods of J.M.W.Turner and studying the theories of Alexander Cozens (sic:automatic drawing).The artist painted four or five panels at one time. A base colour was applied and then he worked the painting up from the middle ground to the foreground in minute detail. He utilized the conscious and subconscious methods he had pursued in Greece linked with a spiritual connection to the 'unspoilt' natural landscape he found. The work progressed throughout the early autumn and winter of 1994 to the late spring of 1995. Before the artist finally acquired a space large enough to work in oil on a larger canvas format.                                      

At this time the first of two large oils, 'meltdown #1', and 'un-natural surroundings' (1.5mtrs x 1.7mtrs), was completed. These preceded an important work 'Loophole' (left) 1.8mtrs x 1.8mts. Painted from 1996 to the beginning of 1997. The painting encapsulated all the previous knowledge and experience. It could be said that this was the first 'successfully completed' large work since the 'paint, cut and paste' work of 1993. And one that displays a spiritual intelligence that is correlate with an existential thinking artist. Loophole was subsequently ruined by varnishing in 1998. However, a repeat of the exercise using a 1.8mt diameter circle made in fibreboard (MDF) began work in 1998/1999. With the original 'Loophole' it is thought the artist struggled with the same problems as did the 18th century painters, 'finishing' the edges of a work using a square format.  Nigel Whiteley, an author and a friend of the artist, commented in 2003 that 'the circle' represented the painters "Les Demoiselles D'Avignon" (Picasso 1907).  Around 1996 the artist created 'Stepping Stones' (1.6mtrs x 1.2mtrs) which illustrates the depth of his understanding in conveying the transience of water. With its abstract applications, using the three conscious level methods, perfected in Greece, he achieved a substantive appearance. Denis lost his studio space and content himself creating smaller paintings, working outside for a short period, (see: studio rocks' and the 'tree family series of work). It is known that the artist had disagreements with a number of local painters who clashed over 'exhibition-space' issues and it appears he was ousted by them. Before he and his wife finally left the Stockholm area he over painted 'Walls of Decay' renamed it 'Vandals'. It is clear that the years between 1993 and 2000 was of great importance to the development of Denis as a painter, as all the surviving work from this time readily testify.                                                                                                

                                                                                                                                     ....click 'Intrepid Visions' to continue