Hello Ray

Firstly, I really like this painting. It provoked an instant reaction, one of surprise. But then I continued to look more closely at all the elements you have included, both the real objects (workshop, bike, trees, signs, doors, bin etc.) and the pictorial elements, or design features.

You explained how and why you wanted to explore the juxtaposition of the two (perhaps summarised as ugliness versus beauty, or beauty out of ugliness) and I think you have succeeded. However, I think the painting still "works", even if I I had not read your explanatory comment, primarily because the pictorial elements you have chosen and arranged (composition, shape, colour, pattern, etc.) "work" together so well. I shall look forward to more from this new direction you are taking.