Tranquil River Print

I am a self-representing artist and have been involved in graphic and digital art for 20 years. This past year (2012 - 2013) I have been focusing on fine art and painting (especially abstract art). For most of my life I have focused on realism but in doing so have failed to find that certain magic that comes from visually expressing the spiritual aspect of the subject matter. Concentrating on abstraction has forced me to focus on color, relationships between colors, and shapes rather than how realistic the subject looks. What starts out in my imagination is taken over by brush strokes which invariably affect the end result. Because there is no implied form in my purely abstract pieces, my hope is that the viewer will be able to find a reflection of that which is within. The image is less arbitrary allowing a more subjective, internal point of view. When approaching the abstract style I am liberated from creating recognizable forms however I do not paint from chaos and allow the imagery to takeover its own creation although I do still listen and feel what the painting needs. Just as in realism, every color and brush stroke is intended however I do find the inspiration comes from a different place which makes it seem like the painting has taken on a life of it's own. The artworks I create which are not purely abstract are perhaps hybrids of other styles including modernism or impressionism. My intention is to create recognizable forms but express them in a way that brings out the spiritual nature of the subject matter. Painting for me is very liberating. It is perhaps one of the most natural forms of expression that I use to share my unique perspective. It is my belief that when a chef creates a culinary masterpiece, the food is infused with emotional energy and the same goes when any artist creates. His or her expression is emotional energy fused with craftsmanship-and with a little magic, a masterpiece is created. Whenever I paint, I try to use this energy to help capture the essence of the subject matter in the way that I not only see it, but feel it.