A new presentation of paintings by Dean Home is always an occasion to anticipate and relish; his artistic process and output renowned for being slow and meticulous. With this lyrical exhibition ‘White Clouds in my Garden’, the artist again revels in the sensory world, which is as fundamental to his world view as air and water. This distinguished painter is inspired by sensual beauty in both art and life. Whether it be savouring a French wine, listening to a Bach concerto or contemplating a Chinese poem, the artist could be considered a true aesthete and synesthete. A master of the still life genre, Home is renowned for his luxuriant yet delicate floral compositions, but he certainly does not regard himself simply as a ‘flower painter’. The artist’s foremost inspirations come from both East and West, drawing upon influences as varied as Italian baroque painting and ancient Chinese ceramics. His artistic tableaux have regularly been described as ‘super-real’, but rather they offer a heightened experience of still life, that seems to embrace all the senses. Featuring arrangements of luminous flowers in bloom - his most recent passion being peonies - these opulent compositions often include fine fabrics, stones, shells and other items that enhance the sensory pleasure of the painting. The viewer can almost touch the silken fabric, the cool, polished surface of a Chinese bowl, or the soft touch of the slightly faded flower petals. Through these tactile means Home reinvigorates the still life genre. All images courtesy the artist and Arthouse Gallery.