But up close the dots add texture and interest and surprises. For example, if you look closely at the very center of the painting, you will find the smiling face of the subject. There is also a portrait of Vincent VanGogh, a yellow rose, and some dynamite. I like paintings that appeal from a distance but also draw the viewer in for a closer look. I also like work that contains a certain level of tension and complexity. I think that is why I started pixelating images in a variety of ways. I admit it--it is satisfying to be able to manipulate both the image and the viewer! For example, I recently created this pixelated image of VanGogh. It contains just enough information for the viewer to be able to decipher the image up close. But when viewed from afar, here from across the street from the gallery, the face is more readily discernible. (You may be able to see this better by clicking on the photo.) |
I have learned many lessons by experimenting with pixels. Sometimes it is necessary to "mix colors" instead of using a color directly. By this I mean for example, it can be more interesting to make brown by placing a green square next to a red one. Of course, this is not a new concept. It is in fact the basis for impressionism. |
It is precisely this type of experimentation that makes art a pleasing pursuit for me. One such experiment resulted from becoming bored with cutting and pasting squares. And I decided it would be easier to mix colors if I put a small dot inside a slightly larger square. In order to do this, I used a 1/2" x 1/2" square of wood to paint the image, and a pencil eraser to put the dot in each square. Note how this allows me to somewhat soften the lines by blending one color into another. (Click on the paintings for a closer view.)
I did attempt to use up a few left over squares by making this small, 12" x 12" piece. Because I didn't have a wide variety of colors, I was forced to substitute and was surprised to learn that the random colors still allowed me to create a recognizable image. (You may have to run across the room to see this one well.)
"Cure for an obsession: get another one."--Mason Cooley