My most recent exhibition of paintings, entitled The Sky Suite, opens in November at
Brian Marki Fine Art in Portland, OR. As
the name suggests, this year’s show explores the dynamic qualities of skies and
clouds.
So, why clouds?
Painting skies, and clouds in particular, has been a
long-standing interest of mine and has been a theme in my work for years. Capturing the unique atmosphere and light of
the Pacific Northwest continues to be one of my main intensions through my
landscape paintings. In addition, I’ve always been drawn to both abstract and
representational painting. I recall a former painting instructor who stated,
“the best representational work is abstract and the best abstract work is
realistic.” This still resonates.
So, this recent foray into painting skies and clouds, for
me, has been the perfect marriage of plein air, representational, and abstract
painting.
Humble, Practical Beginnings…
This series of paintings had a very practical beginning,
well over a year and a half ago. Needing
to “kick the tires” on an early batch of Gamblin’s Solvent-Free Gel that I was
developing, I had to get some painting done one evening. With my better half working late and watching
my boys in the backyard, I simply set up my plein air gear and looked up. The glowing clouds in the late spring sky
become my available subject matter, so I knocked out a few 6” x 6” studies.
These early paintings are included in the show and sparked the whole series.
The Sky Suite opens
November 1st at Brian Marki Fine Art in Portland, OR. Show runs through the month.
