Detail. What does it mean? We tend to think of it as small parts, articulated bits that add flavor. As the saying goes, “The Devil is in the details”, which interestingly comes from an older phrase, “God is in the detail”, meaning, details are important. But in painting, I would suggest that the word should be liberated from its cliched context and our definition not be limited to finessed particulars of description. In short, detail is what or where the artist brings the viewers attention, either articulated on a large… continue reading »

Common word, complex subject. Painters deal with surface every time they apply a mark. But the real understanding of this subject is an issue that seems to be less and less appreciated along with the understanding that first and foremost, painting is a visual experience. In oil painting, ‘surface’ refers to the quality of the paint, its texture, transparency/opacity, luminosity and viscosity. What creates the variety of experiences is in how the painter manipulates his brush, what kind of brush or tool is used, how she utilizes her medium, what… continue reading »

“The more anonymous a work, the less universal, because in some paradoxical way, we understand the universal through the personal”. This is the first in a series of reflections and musing on Robert Motherwell’s writings. Motherwell was one of the foundational abstract expressionists and was pivotal in forming the New York School in the forties and fifties. Aside from his work being profoundly influential, he was a brilliant writer and became in a sense, the literate voice of his generations experience and artistic priorities. My intention here is not to… continue reading »

Creativity Unbound is the name of the workshop that Bridget Morris and I created to combine the artistic disciplines of Painting and Bookbinding. We had nine participants in a week-long feast of fun and enrichment. We designed the workshop to be creatively stimulating and full of adventure. Elizabeth Seltzer was our host at her beautiful Calabash Guest House located in Treasure Beach. This is a southwest province located near Jakes of The Harder They Come movie fame. It’s a wonderful rural community, with a laid back artistic quality.… continue reading »