Chemical Abstract #35 Painting

My molecular & chemical still life work documents my interest in science, nature, organic chemistry and architecture. My work is a calculated, modern interpretation of traditional still life, elements of graphic design and abstract expressionism. Bringing the still life paintings of the Old Masters firmly into the 21st century, I carefully construct my own abstract version of the classical still life painting which has traditionally featured a skull, bowl of fruit, wine bottle or possibly a candle with smoke on a table. With this particular piece, I added the figure of a man to introduce an unexpected element into the composition. Chemical detail adds a layer of composition and nods to the meaning and relationship between the subjects. Some of the materials I choose to work with nod to the meaning of certain objects. For instance, my use of charcoal is intended to impart a sense of candle smoke. These assemblages may seem radically different from the familiar still life, but both draw their inspiration from Old Master subjects, and both are visual deceptions that reveal themselves if the viewer invests the time to gaze deeper. This work was created with: Oil, Woodstain, Acrylic, Charcoal & Wine on paper