Representational

I usually find my inspiration from photographs I have taken from my travels. I attempt to "frame" my subject matter so that I obtain a painting ready photograph. Even then, I am not trying to imitate nature and render the details of the actual subject matter. It is more important for me to give the viewer a sense or a feel for the topic matter rather than exact duplication. The more unlikely, different and askew the shot, the more interest it holds for me.  I can then choose to paint the scene as a semi-abstract or in a representational manner or both.  
 
My current " representational " work uses nature's landscapes as a starting point. I tend to see in shapes first. Then I look at intersecting lines. Color holds no relevance for me at this stage but sharp contrasts do. You will not find in what I term my "representational" work, local color but rather interpretive color, patterns and geometric forms. Semi-abstraction would be a better description of my style of painting, whereby the subject matter is still identifiable but tempered by the artist's vision.

Generally, I begin my paintings by dropping a myriad of colors onto my painting surface (blank canvas syndrome) , encouraging the colors to mix and bleed, often coaxing the direction in which the colors will blend. Afterwards, I patiently and carefully fill in the shapes with thin glazes.  I am careful to insure that the viewer's eye travel around the painting surface.  I will often use complementary color schemes in order to enhance the vibrancy of the painting.  My work attempts to elicit a sense of fun, pleasure and an enchanted walk through color. A moment of whimsy, as it were. Happy viewing!