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Paul S. Benson - Artist Statement The guiding force behind all of my work is a great love and respect for the natural world. I am captivated by nature's complexity, beauty and its ability to stimulate contemplation. My recent paintings are not concerned with representing reality, but interested in conveying the essence or spirit underlying all things. I juxtapose abstract patterns with representational imagery for reasons of balance, meaning and art historical associations. My paintings are rather labor intensive. Because acrylic paint can look rather plastic right out of the tube. I use a process that involves doing an under-painting then applying numerous glazes. These glazings are done to develop shading and/or highlights depending on the desired effect. Often a glaze is applied then sponged off, leaving the darker color in any recesses. Also, usually as the final stage, I dry brush color over an image to create further highlights. These techniques are used primarily because acrylic paint dries so quickly and it gives the surface depth of color and of textural effect. The process I use has been achieved basically through trial and error. On some panels I apply gold leaf or metallic paints over which I apply different patinas. I really never know the outcome of this process until it has dried. Needless to say, some wonderful surprises can happen or the panel may need to be redone. Earth tones are the mainstay of my palette. Burnt umber, raw sienna, yellow ocher, red oxide as well as parchment and various greens are used frequently. It is my hope that the process supports and enhances the subject matter and/or content. |
