Tuesday, February 28, 2012

"Maine Backyards"


6x6" oil on Gessobord

Well I dropped off my cocktail paintings and a few other food related pieces at the Studio Gallery for the "Delicious" show. The reception is this Sunday from 2-6pm, so come on by if you're in SF!

I had a request from Nancy Standlee in response to yesterday's post. She'd like me to mention some of the newer artists I've been enjoying. The truth is, lately I've been spending most of my time looking at DPW artists. I've been making my way down the list, checking out everyone's blog. I find I'm constantly surprised and inspired by the work I'm seeing.

As for non-DPW artists, one of my faves is Tollef Runquist. I saw some of his work at the Dowling Walsh Gallery in Maine last summer. I love that he takes risks, he seems to operate outside of any sort of comfort zone.

When I first started painting I admired artists with great control. I find my taste is changing. I'm no longer as inspired by finesse. I'm drawn to artists committed to growth and discovery, artists who are responding honestly to the world around them in their own unique way. According to David Hockney there's a Chinese proverb that states that art cannot be made without the hand, the eyes and heart. 

I've recently been impressed by the work of some artists new to painting. Most beginning painters haven't yet developed a comfort zone. They're reaching, experimenting, struggling and often creating inspiring work in the process. So I guess the short answer to Nancy's question is, I'm currently enjoying the work of beginning painters and experienced risk takers.

3 comments:

Vin said...

wow! this is great! have a great week!

Nancy Standlee said...

I agree with you on the artists on the DPW site.. and that's how I found you.. I'm in the C's taking a few each day and looking at their paintings and visiting their gallery. The work is awesome and the competition there is pretty fierce and I'm glad I found your site.

Michael Chamberlain said...

Thanks for the comments!