Osian's Auction Catalogue The Masterpieces and Museum Quality Series | October 2004

121 THE MASTERPIECES & MUSEUM-QUALITY SERIES ‘Douglas uses earthcolours, ink and crushed paper so that it is no longer too assertive. ‘What is the earth? How do you see it? Both structurally and with feeling,” Douglas muses, ‘Many things have begun and I am still in the phase of seeking.’…Before going to Germany, his approach was concrete, minimal and abstract… The Germans have been deeply influenced by Expressionism and adapting himself to the new influence, Douglas began to essay a loose, informal and lyrical structure. The dominance of impulse over a restrictive orderliness is evident in his works on view. There is a balance rather than a sudden break with earlier convictions. He also exploits calligraphic drawing without inhibition, making inventive use of figurative motifs. The stress on the discipline of drawing suggests further contact with German art. On the whole Douglas’s paintings are as solidly structured as their motive force is ephemeral.’ – Dnyaneshwar Nadkarni, rpt. in The Independent 1990.