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Artist Statement
I've drawn
from nature in visceral ways to explore my connection to the
natural world through art. I find fascinating subject matter
all around me in the "civilized" world, but I find
myself returning repeatedly to nature and its infinite forms
for many of my themes and inspirations. I've logged many miles
collecting subject matter with my camera and an acute memory,
backpacking through the mountains and canyons of the west.
Whether I'm
illustrating the intricate details and patterns of a feather,
or painting a panoramic landscape, creating art from nature is
yet another way of discovering new vistas and learning new things
about places familiar.
I work in a
variety of media. I prefer oil pastels for their brilliance and
versatility (I use them on a wide variety of surfaces). Oil pastels
also allow me to weave back and forth between the disciplines
of painting and drawing or illustrating. I use up to a dozen
different types of oil pastel in some of my paintings, due to
their variations in softness, opacity or color selection that
allows me to build, transform and evolve a work. Much of my pastel
work is produced with angular strokes of varying widths and lengths.
This technique allows me to not only work quickly, but to convey
a sense of motion in an otherwise static scene.
I also enjoy
the process of mixing media, without the constraints imposed
by using one type of tool, material or pigment. Some of my art began
as photography, which I altered in Photoshop, printed out for
visual reference, then created "from scratch" as a
painting, making unanticipated changes in color, texture or composition
in the process. The exploratory process of approaching art from
different directions keeps it fresh and spontaneous.
Look for new
additions to this site as this online collection continues to
evolve. I appreciate all questions, comments, ideas and suggestions,
so feel free to contact me at: dan@wendimages.com
Thanks for
visiting and check back soon for updates.
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