As I work, I'm always thinking about other artists and their work that sticks in my head. When I get stuck and can't think I usually will turn to an art book. I have a nice collection of monographs and my favorite one is of Nathan Oliveira. He's one of my favorite painters and someone that I look to often. When I was doing figurative work, it was his movements and compositions that really turned me on. As I studied his paintings and got to see some in person, I began to look at the broader picture. I was really attracted to the paint itself and the layering of colors. The simplicity and intricacy of his color palette really astounds me and heavily influences my work.
Another thing I admire about Oliveira is how his work has changed over the years. I love that he isn't afraid to completely change the look and subject matter of his paintings and prints. That is something that everyone should strive for, I know I do.
"Given all the technology that we're in the middle of, I would be so pleased if someone would look at one of these prints and say, 'You know, I feel like that.' What I'm concerned about now is creating a metaphor for what the figure really is."
-Nathan Oliveira
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jaime,
i really like the painting under the title...i'm a sucker for a white encaustic background. the way the bit of red towrds the bottom barely peeks thru-genius!
i can't wait to check out no's studio....
Thank you for reminding me about Nathan Oliveira... it's been a long time since I've looked at his work. I think it's interesting that you laud him for constantly changing style and subject matter; this is something my painter friends and I discuss often - the pressure to settle into a "style" for commercial reasons when many of us are still exploring and are excited by that process of experimenting and trying new things. I think that's why we do what we do!
If I settled into a style I think I would die as an artist! I'd feel like a factory. One thing that turns me off to other artists is if the have a formula. I want to see the exploration, the discovery, the happiness of painting!