This work depicts a Glasgow tenement façade and yard with figures, including boys playing ‘bools’, the picture’s title. The boys are playing, yet to reach the grim realities of adulthood.
There is rawness shown here with evidence of social deprivation, as seen by the litter, the unrepaired building front and the almost wretched figures. The limited perspective lends itself to a sense of restricted expectations, whilst the long shadows suggest the end of the day and the end of hope.
The paintings of AS Craig suggest that he had no formal art training and was self-taught. His style is simplistic with straightforward figures and basic use of perspective, leading to pictures that seem almost naïve in their structure.
He has used oil paint with a small brush for the various characters, showing neatness and control. His use of colour is limited, which I think is deliberate as it emphasises the joylessness of the subject matter.
Artist: AS Craig
Dimensions: 71 x 61 cm
Medium: Oil on board
Year: 1979
Analysis: Meurig Jenkins, artist based in Bridgend
AS Craig 