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Strong color, cropped compositions and the powerful
image of the figure are characteristics I use in my paintings.
The figures are sometimes seen as landscapes because of their
reclining positions and massive size. I am interested in the relation
of the overlapping shapes and lines, and, in the way a large painting
of a figure can communicate a feeling of power and strength to
the viewer. I keep energy in the painting with strong color palettes.
I like to use bright colors to draw attention to certain areas
of the figure, but I also like creating muddy colors for middle
ground as well. Cropping of the figure enables interesting and
unusual compositions. Sitting or standing positions are not used
because I feel those positions can become boring or stagnant.
Collage with canvas or burlap added to the paintings allows the
surface to become visually interesting with more texture. The
collage is applied beforehand, using gesso to adhere it to the
canvas. It is random how these elements of texture work within
the composition. Sometimes the collage completely flows in the
painting. Other times, the collage becomes a challenge to work
with. I also tend to paint over old paintings, which allows for
even more texture to build.
My paintings are created from photographs taken
of the model. I enjoy the flash bulb effect on the figure and
try to use this to strengthen contrasts. Taking photos of the
model sometimes creates the warping of shapes and perspectives.
Photos also allow for multiple painting sessions, which are helpful
in building the textures.
When people ask me what my paintings symbolize or
mean, I don’t really have an answer to that question. I don’t
feel the need to add any secondary story or symbolization to the
work. I think viewers will form their own opinions of meaning
in the work. Happiness, anger, excitement, power, energy.... all
become evident in the work, either in brush stroke, composition,
or use of color. When the painting’s composition is interesting,
spatially convincing and bold, I feel it is successful.
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