Evolving Artistic Direction and Solo Show

In my last Newsletter I commented on evolving artistic style. As a personal continuation of this subject, over the next two months I will be studying Asian watercolor and ink with Henry Li, a fine Chinese master. My intention is to further my learning so that I may combine Asian traditions with Western watercolor techniques, or even apply new concepts to my oil paintings.

Asian art values negative space, the white part of the paper, as highly as what is painted with ink and or watercolor. It is considered a very important part of the design and must be carefully thought out in planning the composition. Perhaps one reason I am attracted to Asian art is because as a sculptor incorporating negative space is always an important consideration, whether it is spaces between parts of the sculpture or careful consideration of the shape of the silhouette within the space it occupies.

My enjoyment of Asian art is greatly enhanced when I paint on Asian papers. Some are pure white of varying thicknesses, while others have beautiful textures which add their own enhancement to the artistic interpretation.

Lines in Asian art are simple and expressive. A masterful stroke of a brush with ink can produce   both thin or thick strokes, dark or light or soft or hard edges.  One stroke can reveal both  line and form, i.e. the line can be within the form. There is a deliberate intention expressed with each stroke. I think this is what most drives me to learn more, as I love this artistic simplicity and hope to incorporate this more into my painting style.

The photos below show three of my previously painted Asian style works.