Source Painting

In 2009, AJ began painting on wood panels with his hands, in a wildly performative, expressive painting approach. He rotates the canvas, painting in layers while moving in response to music he listens to. The sensation of ‘surprise’ he gets from not knowing how the final outcome will ultimately captivates his expression. These painting experiences turned into a large series and he began to exhibit his work in 2010 in the Chicagoland area as well as the suburbs of Northern Illinois where he was born and raised. After 12 years of college consisting of earning a B.F.A at Quincy University, training with individual artist mentors as well as attending MFA Grad School Program for Studio Art in Columbia Missouri, he has been teaching art classes, doing public murals, interviews and has one multiple awards for public service in the arts. AJ’s favorite visual motif is the the circle, which the artist Miro claimed was “the shape of least resistance.” AJ’s love of painting circles comes from the calming effect of creating them and the way they are universal in identity. The circle also represents “oneness” illustrating that we are all connected in “the circle of life”. Using round shapes as well as using over 42 different techniques he develops through experimentation and reintroduces constantly, he creates vivid, non-objective, surreal and abstract landscapes which take on a life of their own which are flowing with implied movement. His paintings look like a microscopic world of cells or a vast cosmic space of celestial shapes charged with emotion. Gallery owner Liz Solaro says “AJ’s paintings are like staring at a campfire, vibrant and silent without demanding commentary.” He supports the idea that is paintings can be viewed from any angle and encourages the viewer to rotate his images on the wall periodically. “Everyone sees different imagery in my paintings, which to me are psychologically fascinating and my favorite part about sharing the art with others, because they get to use their imagination as well.” -AJ Moretti. This statement illustrates that everyone has a unique perception that no one else sees, and it is unique to each individual’s experience and life. AJ Also often incorporates gem & mineral dust mixed into the paint which creates dynamic textures and sculptural surfaces to his artwork.