The Onlookers Painting

Duly Noted Painters are the Washington, DC based duo consisting of Matthew Malone and Kurtis Ceppetelli. The most important thing to understand about our work is that it is created by two painters painting as one. Our process is a true collaboration and begins when we are both present together either in the studio or drawing from the world around us. Similar to jazz musicians, at times we work together simultaneously, while there are times were one steps back to observe the other until inspired to take action. In general, each piece starts with an exploratory idea or goal in mind. Our work pulls from multiple sources of information which come together and guide us to an ultimate conclusion. Some things are left as is, repositioned, altered, or removed entirely. Unlike traditional collaborations, our process does not adhere to a set formula dictating who does what. This allows for dramatic changes in mood, color, and feeling within each piece and leads to surprising and often unexpected results. Whether hidden or exposed, everything left for the viewer to see contains bits and pieces from each of us. Together as Duly Noted and with an inherent understanding of our craft, we pick up the tools left to us by the artists before in order to continue a tradition and redefine what painting is. The materials we use are a combination of charcoal, recycled latex house paint and drop cloth canvas. These can be found at any local hardware store. We often refer to our paint as the ‘Orphanage of Color’ because for one reason or another they are returned and sold at a discount. There is irony in the fact that we are creating art objects to be hung on a wall using the same colors that were previously considered not to be right. The paints are quick drying yet still allow for easy reworking. This plays up our dynamic ability to work together at the same time.