American Paintings

Abstract

Once I have decided on an image I take a photograph. The color and surface of the photographs are manipulated when I change them into paintings. For each painting, this manipulation is slightly different. For example, in some works I like to paint with a dark blue palette with bright oranges for high lights. This is a dramatic change of the colors from what was recorded in the actual photo. At other times, I paint by following the color structure of the photo. Sometimes I simplify information from the photo. The brushstroke is left, to be seen. Additionally, I choose the color for each of the objects, and how thick and how crude the brush stroke is. It is my feeling that this mark of my hand is what elevates this object from a reproduction of a photo to an emotionally charged and special object. I paint this way intuitively. I keep the same value and form as the photo and synthesize a new color scheme and surface to make it a unique image. I paint the scenes of every day life because I can relate ideas, and emotions regarding what it means to be a person. The paintings show human activities and interactions in our culture. The average day in our life defines us as people. I want to paint images that make others think and feel. I want them to relate my work to who they are and what they do.