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"I consider a painting successful when viewers are struck by a powerful visual aesthetic before they recognize the literal subject. One might almost call me an 'abstract impressionist'." |
Biography & Statement
As my subjects have become increasingly abstracted, as in the recent Alaskan or Cloudscapes & Nocturnes series, I am less able to rely on the usual spatial cues that indicate space like overlapping forms, contrast or volume. For example, it would be easy to describe patterns of snow on a hillside in a completely flat way … just moving shapes against a solid “wall”. But I want to maintain a three-dimensional space. That’s more difficult the more I abstract the subject, because I lose spatial cues. Instead, I rely heavily on the design and patterns (to imply recession), edges, subtle color shifts, and texture. My teaching résumé includes nine years with the Gage Academy of Art and seven years with Seattle Central Community College. I've lectured on Impressionism at the Seattle Art Museum and written about landscape painting for American Artist Magazine. (See Site Selection in Landscape Painting) My paintings have been seen in various group shows in New York, Washington, D.C. and Seattle, and most recently at solo exhibitions at Lisa Harris Gallery in Seattle. ©2007. Mitchell Albala. All rights reserved. |
My
technique and color are influenced in part by the Impressionists,
while I am inspired by the abstract sensibilities of such artists
as