Flower Beetle #1 / Mecynorrhina Oberthuri Unicolor Painting

“Color is my daylong obsession, joy, and torment” - this quote from Claude Monet deeply resonates with me, aligning with my artistic vision and attitude. I strive to capture and convey the splendor of the world around me through the vibrancy of colors, the elegance of forms and lines, and the natural geometry of objects. The art I create draws inspiration mostly from my personal experiences and observations. I find admiration in the ever-changing seasons and the play of light during day and night, as well as in the intricate details of living organisms, and the transformative impact of human intervention on landscapes. My artwork often features water surfaces, plants and gardens, and also buildings, urban utilities, and city lights. These subjects become artistic spaces where I explore the interplay of colors and spatial relationships, unveiling their rhythmic structures and interactions. I work in series, delving into each topic across multiple canvases over time. I use a variety of techniques and media, including acrylic and oil painting, drawing, and collage. My art balances between hyperrealism and pop art infused with a hint of cartoon painting style, often maintaining photo-realistic attention to details. My goal is to create art that is both visually striking and emotionally engaging, to capture the essence of a moment and to invite the viewer to share my experience. I have been greatly influenced by a diverse range of artists, spanning from Byzantine icon painters and Baroque masters to Impressionists and contemporary Pop artists. Moreover, my work bears the imprint of my fascination with the quiet beauty of Johannes Vermeer’s art, individualistic and alienated realism of Edward Hopper and Robert Bechtle, and vigorous coloristic enthusiasm of David Hockney and Wayne Tiebaud, which infuse additional dimensions into my artistic pursuit. My art is a reflection of my passion for life and my desire to share that passion with others. Through my work I hope to inspire and uplift, to capture the magnificence of everyday reality, and to raise questions that are relevant for me and for our time. I live and work in Sausalito, California.