Art Forum Introduction – Dennis Davis
Connecting lines, circles and squares; representing objects as shapes and forms – the infinite possibilities of expression are fascinating to me. As a child, drawing was a means of escape and provided a path to creativity which, in my case, was essential for confidence building.
In this endeavor, I hope to express how my drawings and paintings were created -whether through planned composition or spontaneous flow, and how the processes of color selection, representation, and expression were conceived.Acceptance is not my motivation for creating art work. I merely explore and record what comes to mind; however, this website provides an interesting opportunity for feedback and interaction. Any thoughts or reactions to my work are welcome.
This particular painting began with a wine bottle and guitar. From that point, it evolved from thoughts, feelings and visions derived from the initial shapes and colors applied to the canvas, and my mood at the time. From there it took shape during frequent evaluations and new moments of inspiration. The painting is not easily be categorized as influences of abstract and impressionist painting styles are combined. The components can be compartmentalized or seen as a whole, and the viewer will form their own stories and experiences each time it is examined. Painting is 60.9 cm x 76.2 cm.
These are paintings two and three in an abstract series of six paintings. The illusions are built around still life and motion. These are mainly just another exercise in spontaneous expression. My goal of artistic discipline still on the horizon.
Here is another of DD’s paintings…….For years, I have promised to provide some feedback, but have always fallen at the fence. But we are having a video meet up next week. Do…it’s bite the bullet time. No more ‘see you at the top’….this is the top.
Let’s start with my problem or at least some aspects of it. I have not seen the original. I doubt the photo does it justice. If for no other reason, that it gives away nothing as to the texture of the painting……An oil painting with no texture……Now, what is that for a beast? The problem is compounded, because the original painting is relatively smooth and is intended to be just that. I got this information from the horses mouth.
And here is some more…….The painting was carried out by area. – sort of bit by bit. Reminds one of a ‘composition’, or somesuch. DD thinks of it as a still life, but there is no attempt to make the objects ‘live’. One might think of them as ‘symbolic’, hardly abstract, although in some sense abstracted. Maybe ‘representative’ comes to mind. Even sort of ‘generic – have the features of an object. Take the wine glass for example. It’s a wine glass alright, but no wine, no glass, so to speak. But no mistaking it for other than a wine glass. Maybe it’s like a sign, as in signing. A X for path closed. An —-> for to go this way.
The canvas is black, not sure why, but it provides a great contrast. The surface is relatively smooth. DD achieves this by mixing oil paint with linseed oil. Gives a better flow. The background and foreground are the same paintwise. That adds to the flatness in my view. DD rarely paints over anything. The black paint background exerts control over the colours by isolation.
DD’s own comments are repeated here, for ease of reader synthesis.
Connecting lines, circles and squares; representing objects as shapes and forms – the infinite possibilities of expression are fascinating to me. As a child, drawing was a means of escape and provided a path to creativity which, in my case, was essential for confidence building.
In this endeavor, I hope to express how my drawings and paintings were created -whether through planned composition or spontaneous flow, and how the processes of color selection, representation, and expression were conceived. Acceptance is not my motivation for creating art work. I merely explore and record what comes to mind; however, this website provides an interesting opportunity for feedback and interaction. Any thoughts or reactions to my work are welcome.
So…….what’s the form?
The painting is very ‘busy’….an invitation to explore, then? Here goes. There is no obvious starting point…..no obvious structure….but everything is ‘filled in’.
Let’s go for the centre as a default ‘abstract’ starting point. Looks like a jug. Seems to have a handle and a spout. 2 connections, but unclear what they are, if anything. Bowl of fruit on the left, lemon on the right. The lemon has shape…… or maybe just an outline and a colour? Wine bottle and wine glass to the left. Both distinguished by colour and shape – but no depth, no texture.
The background black makes the shapes stand out, but kills the colour and any possible interaction. Does this produce a deadening effect? Is it intentional, I wonder.
The guitar is in there somewhere…partly so, at least. It undergoes a level of depth, due to the wine bottle. Not a strong effect, though. Another wine glass on the right…….
Various other shapes bind the objects. Not clear what they are….decorative, background, whimsy, filling the space……? Who knows (maybe DD)…… Let’s give him a turn. I am going to quit, while I am (slightly) ahead…….