John Virtue, Painter of London

Now in his late 50s, Virtue only became known perhaps 20 years ago for his landscape paintings which have become increasingly abstract over time.

In recent years his subject has been London.

His paintings are large (those above and below measure 6 feet x 6 feet), and in black and white.

Currently they are on view at London's National Gallery in a show, "John Virtue: London Paintings."

A second show, "John Virtue: London Drawings," at the Courtauld Institute of Art, also in London, examines his preparatory work for the paintings that follow.

Virtue has written, "Drawing is the compost from which painting develops."

It's not obvious to me in which order one might best view the two shows.

Perhaps those who do so will offer their thoughts here.

[via William Packer and The Financial Times]