I believe that artwork is a mirror of what an artist feels about the subject, so it has to effectively communicate the artist’s vision through various techniques and components. What often triggers me to paint is not really the subject matter itself. When I see an interesting pattern of light and dark creating a certain mood or atmosphere, I stop and observe because something about it speaks to me.
That pattern can be a very dramatic contrast like a complex urban scene of skyscrapers with the sun setting behind them that cast long shadows. Or it can be found in a subtle contrast such as a rural landscape on a misty day with fog slowly moving through valleys between rolling hills. Or it can be nice reflection on the shiny floor inside a bar or a profile of someone with contrasting tones on his face. These all have an evocative quality to me.
When I see that and am moved by it, I know I have found something that could be an emotional basis as well as a design component to create a painting from. As a landscape artist, I also strive to capture a sense of time and place. Especially when I am on location, I feel the place in all of my senses and the connection I establish that way to the subject is important. It allows me to feel I am part of the scene. It helps me delve into finding out what about it really speaks to me.
As I always say, I don’t think I choose a subject; rather it chooses me. I just have to be acutely aware when that happens. I think my painting is a mere response to that.
