I have been expanding on the idea of a artist’s style — My upcoming show will be a new style for me.  I have recently been painting on glass.  In fact, reverse painting on glass.  Please take a look at the gallery, I am quite proud of this batch of paintings.

But back to the style musings. I think that I have a singular style,  I would classify myself as a colorist.  One of my earliest and strongest influences was Helen Frankenthaler.  Her work opened my eyes from a world of realism and fruit-bowl still lives, to a the possibility of un-nameable abstracts.  Even more so, I find that painting on several different surfaces not only challenges me as an artist, it challenges the preconceived notions of the viewer. The moment of discovery, when I realize I’ve found the perfect way to utilize my brush on a piece of raw wood, or pristine glass is the feeling that causes me to always hunt for new “canvases”.  Each surface requires different technique.  Though people use them interchangeably, technique is very different from  from style. I believe technique can be learned, through hours of study and practice, but style is something that is all an artist’s own. It is a flavor which only they can cultivate. Though I can watch my technique improve with each new work, it is really a joy to see my style develop through the years.

Subject matter is another beast. Where painting on wood draws me to create nudes.  I find the sensuous grain lines help define the form.  (Knot holes just scream nipples.)  On glass I found myself doing more abstract work.  Landscapes are so compelling.  I achieve startling intensity of color and the dozens of layers draws the eye into the work.

I hope those that come to my Philadelphia Show, at the Boston Street Art Gallery beginning Saturday, December 5th will enjoy seeing each layer of my work.