Artist’s Statement

These days, I Paint almost exclusive Plein’e Aire in oils and have for some years…

I’ve had periods where I’ve painted Plein’e Aire (on location) in the past, both here and in Europe. My favorite Impressionists are early Monet, Degas and the lesser know Cicely and Pissaro (the book Moon and six pence) These two lesser known painters were the truest to the subject in my opinion. Looking at some of their works, one doesn’t feel as though they are looking at a copy of a photo, but rather like being there. I try and capture the subject in a time frame, painting those pristine moments where the light has changed and reveals things that were obscured by shadow in the beginning. You could say my paintings are a time capture of a landscape. I don’t consciously strive for perfection, but I do try and do justice to the great creation.

I’ve learned a lot about color and design in my training, so I’ve explored a lot with styalizating Abstract Figurative and Cubism, (in both Acrylic and Oils.) I love Photography as well, something I’ve been doing right along. Mostly Panoramas done with 2 or 3 shots seamed together on photoshop. I do less now that I’ve stopped traveling so much. but I always carry my camera and I do live in the beautiful Verde Valley after all. I admit it, I spoil myself.. I’m selfish too. Selfish with my time and even more so in these diminishing white beard years.

The Mandala series was magical to make. Discovered a way to make them with pieces of my paintings using photoshop, however some of my latest, are hand drawn. It all started when I was snowed in for a winter in the high Sierras. I didn’t have much in the way of Art material, but I had my computer and a lot of work stored within. I must have made 300. I’ve made a few videos of my Mandala series (click on Videos)

A little about my past…

I’ve spent 8 years in 3 Art Schools. The last one was Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, so I could never specialize. My life in Art has been a continuation of my School years. Constant challenges, but not for the grade or money, just self interest and personal satisfaction. In this regard I am a selfish man who does what he wants. I expect to get criticism from those who specialize and more from those who joined the trend with this new post modern minimalism and worse, those who are touting this idea that True Art should have no Commercial value. This is absurd and yes I do see there is a move toward Ugly art. Your friends will think you have such good taste if you buy this crap, because it is so far beyond the understanding and appreciation of the common folk. Oh well live in hell, it’s your life.

For me it’s Beauty first or at least make it interesting. Otherwise don’t bother. Unless your jaded with bias or your eyes are glazed over with your own delusion. infected by a useless art teacher, (no caps) you will enjoy my work.

Peace and Love David Sherrod