Gustave Carlson

The ideas that I paint come from the agricultural landscape, particularly barns and farm like agrarian architecture. I am drawn to the flat planes of landscape, exploring color and the study of my paintings over time. Richard Diebenkorn, Wayne Theibold and Andrew Wyeth are among my strongest influences for my work.

I am fascinated by reimagining the buildings that I present in my paintings as an opportunity for the viewer to re-understand the landscape. A new opportunity to resurrect a new meaning from buildings that are somewhat decayed. I am also fascinated with forgotten farmhouse interiors- older heirloom objects placed in contrast with new objects. This forms a new dialogue for both objects when placed together in interior architecture or interior painting.

The process that I paint is very thick and layered. I often start with one idea or shapes and then let the painting rest. I start a new piece and then come back to the previous pieces often rotating the canvas or wooden gesso panel. Landscapes become portrait pieces. I also layer over the images I see in the brush stokes with paint and draw over the paint with graphite. I tend to ruminate on certain colors and ideas for a long time. One thing that is consistent ...

Masters of Architecture University of Pennsylvania 1989
Graduate Studies Painting University of Pennsylvania 1988-89
Miami University Oxford Ohio Bachelors Environmental Design 1987
University of Copenhagen 1986