Drawing Your Dreams

There are people who can draw and then there are people who make amazing things. When Julian Kreimer paints realistically, he calls them "Observations". So when you see his abstract paintings and drawings, at first it's hard to reconcile the two, quite different styles. In this thoroughly enjoyable studio visit-Video by Gorky's Granddaughter, the answers are funny, thought-provoking and inspiring. Enjoy !

This image is from his Website.

Much More Than Dots

Peter Schuyff uses dots, circles and combinations thereof (and other shapes) to hijack his compositions. These pretty little disruptors have a charm all their own, coaxing us to reconsider how things work in the picture plane.  This image is from the Self Portraits, at his Website and he also does the same kind of thing in the Drawings On Drawings Series. But then he wanders off in other directions; or so it seems. My impression is that he's just teasing us with simple complexities: plumbing any deeper meaning is up to us.

You really should do a little research before coming to any conclusions. There's some very beautiful work out there, not shown on his site.

If you were wondering what makes him tick, watch this video for an unusual bit of entertainment.

Blob-Dots

Charlotte Smith goes beautifully batty when doing her dots. Some paintings are restrained and serene; others are full-on assults to the senses. I won't even try to explain the works with stacked dots of paint; you can see that and others, Here (keep clicking right)

She's represented by, and this image is from Cris Worley Gallery where you'll find more paintings. To see her more traditional works, go Here.

A Smattering Of Gestures

Ah, the mechanics of painting. When I look at Elise Freda's paintings, they feel like simple recipes with no salt or sugar added. Or maybe they're dance steps for the mind. At any rate, there's a sense that she's gone far enough, decided to stop and that's that. (bring your own magic)

This image is from her Website, where there's plenty of work to enjoy.

Artist Signature

We usually think of an artist signing their name to the work to signal it's completion, but some have decided to use it as part of the composition. I was more impressed with Todd Kelly's efforts than others. This painting especially, caught my eye because it's slightly reminiscent of Andy Warhol's Death and Destruction Series (especially the Green Car Crash). Please click to enlarge. Using brushwork, spray paint and stencils he reaches out in several directions of experimentation, using his name as a cursive or hard-edged element. Some are playful, while others have the feel of a foot firmly planted in a good direction. He's represented by the Asya Geisberg Gallery, where you'll find installation shots of his 2011 Show as well and individual works.

This image from Anaba.

The Dot Phase

     So many artists go through a "dot phase" as to make you think it's de rigueur. Whether they're sampling others' ideas or stretching their own boundaries, using the dot as a tool or sole subject matter is an exercise with a long history of success.

     Eli Bornowsky's production of dot paintings in 2008, 9 and 10 are not only fascinating and pleasing, but they have a scientific feel to them; as through he is testing color theories. I think that after the over exposure to Hirst's particular grid pattern, you'll find Bornowsky's compositions a welcome and soothing relief.

     This image is from his Website and targeted to the Works on Paper, page. Be sure to also check out the paintings from 2010; then click on the other links to see how different his work is before and after the dot phase. You may agree with me in thinking that his most beautiful paintings are the Dots.