Color Field Sketches, 2022
Almost everything I do as an artist is inspired by the Colorado Plateau. I think of these color field paintings as essences of this place. Specific elements like geology, clouds and trees are intentionally removed. The more ambient elements of light and space—the aspects of the landscape I feel are most aesthetically resonant—are preserved. As a result of this process, the role of the paint changes from one of illusory representation to one of self representation. In other words the paint itself becomes the subject and the works become objects instead of windows.
Almost everything I do as an artist is inspired by the Colorado Plateau. I think of these color field paintings as essences of this place. Specific elements like geology, clouds and trees are intentionally removed. The more ambient elements of light and space—the aspects of the landscape I feel are most aesthetically resonant—are preserved. As a result of this process, the role of the paint changes from one of illusory representation to one of self representation. In other words the paint itself becomes the subject and the works become objects instead of windows.
Studies in Abstract Expressionism 2020-2021
This quick series was an exercise in automatic painting on a small scale. I was trying to loosen up and be as spontaneous as possible. As is the case with these paintings: the more intuitively I work, the less I remember of the process and the more surprised I am with the outcome. Occassionally, the results are novel, productive and/or satisfying.
This quick series was an exercise in automatic painting on a small scale. I was trying to loosen up and be as spontaneous as possible. As is the case with these paintings: the more intuitively I work, the less I remember of the process and the more surprised I am with the outcome. Occassionally, the results are novel, productive and/or satisfying.
Giant Steps Series 2015-2017
This series is about natural geometries, hard edges, clean light and that unusual sense of clarity one experiences in the landscapes of the Colorado Plateau.
This series is about natural geometries, hard edges, clean light and that unusual sense of clarity one experiences in the landscapes of the Colorado Plateau.
Colorado Plateau IV 2016-2017
Many of these abstracts are currently at Raven Heart Gallery in Kanab, Utah.
Many of these abstracts are currently at Raven Heart Gallery in Kanab, Utah.
Colorado Plateau III 2013-2015
These paintings represent a synthesis of previous explorations in the world of abstract landscapes. The aesthetic in this latest development is highly influenced by the translation of my experience with watercolor to the medium of oils.
These paintings represent a synthesis of previous explorations in the world of abstract landscapes. The aesthetic in this latest development is highly influenced by the translation of my experience with watercolor to the medium of oils.
Colorado Plateau III 2013
Colorado Plateau I 2011
I grew up in Utah where the Rocky Mountains, Great Basin and Colorado Plateau intersect forming some of Earth's most sublime landscapes.
My love of the Inter-Mountain West--its mystery and beauty, its expansive arid vistas and curious geologic formations--are the inspiration behind my artwork. Sometimes I paint it representationally, but as of late I am drawn to interpreting the landscape on a more abstract and universal level.
To abstract means to "separate" or "draw away from". I leave out specific locations and land formations, but maintain the sensory elements of nature: ambient light, texture, immensity of space, atmosphere, and temperature. By doing so I hope to connect with the viewer on a more intuitive level. I want each painting to be a window into the viewer's own experience of the land.
I grew up in Utah where the Rocky Mountains, Great Basin and Colorado Plateau intersect forming some of Earth's most sublime landscapes.
My love of the Inter-Mountain West--its mystery and beauty, its expansive arid vistas and curious geologic formations--are the inspiration behind my artwork. Sometimes I paint it representationally, but as of late I am drawn to interpreting the landscape on a more abstract and universal level.
To abstract means to "separate" or "draw away from". I leave out specific locations and land formations, but maintain the sensory elements of nature: ambient light, texture, immensity of space, atmosphere, and temperature. By doing so I hope to connect with the viewer on a more intuitive level. I want each painting to be a window into the viewer's own experience of the land.
Spill 2014
After 4 years of loading my head full of ideas from books, conversations, and college classes. I created this series in about a week; I think I did as many as 8 in one day. I chose the title "Spill" for obvious reasons.
After 4 years of loading my head full of ideas from books, conversations, and college classes. I created this series in about a week; I think I did as many as 8 in one day. I chose the title "Spill" for obvious reasons.
Abstract Landscapes 2004-2005
I grew up in Utah where the Rocky Mountains, Great Basin and Colorado Plateau intersect forming some of Earth's most sublime landscapes.
My love of the Inter-Mountain West--its mystery and beauty, its expansive arid vistas and curious geologic formations--are the inspiration behind my artwork. Sometimes I paint it representationally, but as of late I am drawn to interpreting the landscape on a more abstract and universal level.
To abstract means to "separate" or "draw away from". I leave out specific locations and land formations, but maintain the sensory elements of nature: ambient light, texture, immensity of space, atmosphere, and temperature. By doing so I hope to connect with the viewer on a more intuitive level. I want each painting to be a window into the viewer's own experience of the land.
I grew up in Utah where the Rocky Mountains, Great Basin and Colorado Plateau intersect forming some of Earth's most sublime landscapes.
My love of the Inter-Mountain West--its mystery and beauty, its expansive arid vistas and curious geologic formations--are the inspiration behind my artwork. Sometimes I paint it representationally, but as of late I am drawn to interpreting the landscape on a more abstract and universal level.
To abstract means to "separate" or "draw away from". I leave out specific locations and land formations, but maintain the sensory elements of nature: ambient light, texture, immensity of space, atmosphere, and temperature. By doing so I hope to connect with the viewer on a more intuitive level. I want each painting to be a window into the viewer's own experience of the land.
Abstract Spray Paintings 2001
While studying art at Utah State, I began a series of experiments with spray paint. Spray paint is so incredibly different from other paint mediums. It's not a good medium for accurate representation, but the way the colors blend for the few seconds before the paint dries is mesmerizing. If only the fumes weren't so toxic... Someday I'd like to go back to this unique medium and explore it further.
While studying art at Utah State, I began a series of experiments with spray paint. Spray paint is so incredibly different from other paint mediums. It's not a good medium for accurate representation, but the way the colors blend for the few seconds before the paint dries is mesmerizing. If only the fumes weren't so toxic... Someday I'd like to go back to this unique medium and explore it further.
Abstract Landscape Studies 1997-2004
When I was still in high school, I became interested in capturing more than the representational look of the landscape. I distinctly remember driving with my family through Yellowstone National Park and thinking of ways to accentuate certain elements of the landscape while diminishing or eliminating distractions to create a more clear image of what I was seeing.
When I was still in high school, I became interested in capturing more than the representational look of the landscape. I distinctly remember driving with my family through Yellowstone National Park and thinking of ways to accentuate certain elements of the landscape while diminishing or eliminating distractions to create a more clear image of what I was seeing.
