All The Way In Painting

Born in Philadelphia, Alfred Ortega studied painting and sculpture at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Ortegas work is currently represented by the Atlantic Gallery, Nantucket and the Knapp Gallery, Philadelphia. Ortega has exhibited at the Woodmere Museum and Twenty-two Gallery in Philadelphia. The artists work is represented in the permanent collection of the Pennsylvania State Museum and in private collections. Noted for his bold use of color, Ortegas paintings and oil prints emanate primal energy. His prominent, large canvases reveal a dynamic world populated with vibrant forms and figures barely contained within their frames. A master monoprint maker, Ortegas vivid oil prints of figures, landscapes, and portraits are animated by an unabashed freedom of form and color and a daring love of life. Statement of Process The foundation for my work in painting and sculpture is a feeling of awe and inspiration when I look out upon nature and all of creation. After study of the paintings found in the Chauvet caves of France and Borneo approximately forty thousand years ago, it appears that creativity is unbounded by space and time and beyond words. I have found that creativity is also volatile and audacious. Being aware that composing a work of art is a response to the world and in expressing that, a communique to others, I begin the workday inspired. Initially using large brushes and buckets of color to apply sweeping strokes to the canvas with movement, the process begins in a state of humble anticipation and enjoyment, I like to paint, I like to build. In reaction to the primary application, the process of applying paint or building becomes more intuitive than intellectual and truthfulness sets in. Now the piece itself gives direction to what it needs further. With ego set aside, present to the moment, decisions on what to add or take away from the work become natural and easy. Conscious awareness becomes a guide to continue. As the finished piece comes into view, the work of relationships of color and form feel resolved, complete and whole, ready to be shared with others. The process and the completed work is both an homage to creation and a communication to the viewer. The practice provides both fulfillment in work, finding freedom in the doing and a pathway of discovery for the self. In gratitude for the craft, learnedness and our beautiful world. Alfred Ortega