Blog

 There is something almost sacred about facing the glory and expanse of creation. We become aware of our fragility and feel humbled and vulnerable. I wanted to capture and share one of those moments of encounter between the beauty of nature and the unchained power of the elements.

Rendering the dynamism of creation's grandeur without making it insignificant or cliché presents a challenge. A structure or building provides the artists with a skeleton or frame from which to begin, thinking only about composition and creativity. But when painting an oceanscape or sunset there are no static or definitive shapes to use. How does one employ technique when the subject's form is free-flowing and changes from moment to moment?

When faced with this challenge I focus on patterns. The back and forth, repetitive motion of the sea creates a visual effect that communicates volume. The best way for me to translate the energy and the power to the canvas is by using a free stroke and heavy masses of color. I choose to work with values as opposed to complicated colors to avoid loosing impact with confusing details. It is also important to communicate the spatial perspective of the sky or the image will lack depth.

The impressionists used some specific methods to bring color and light out of the canvas. I had the fortune of getting to know some of those fantastic painters who were generous enough to teach me some their techniques. I use them as a precious tool when painting free shapes and abstract forms. But like the “sous vêtements” there are things it is not appropriate to share...

When a passion for painting meets the forces of nature the result is usually either a frustrating mess or a moment of grace.