Ultramarine Dream Painting

Robert King is a visual artist in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Painting reflective compositions in acrylic which utilize a method of dragging paint across the canvas surface, he explores such themes as light and darkness and moody landscape. He has shown and sold work in Halifax art spaces and has done commissions for portrait drawings as well. Robert was born and spent his childhood on Cape Breton Island, N.S and it’s beautiful landscapes have been a source of inspiration for his artwork. “All my paintings are made to last using archival quality materials such as 100% cotton duck canvas, fine quality gesso, acrylic polymer emulsion paints, sturdy wood gallery frames.” - Robert King “When painting I’m interested in using the transient effect, something unplanned, incidental but not necessarily accidental, to create texture, interest and atmosphere. Accomplishing this in a way where it appears natural, loose and organic is somewhat a balancing act. You must retain creative control over what you’re doing yet surrender control to the technical process. When you achieve the right balance, the results can be spectacular. The element of random chance in this way of working is at once, exhilarating and anxious. You have to let go of certainties. It’s a bit like playing the lottery.” - Robert King “My influences have been diverse. Not the least of which is the work of well known modern artists especially the abstract expressionists, colour field painters, surrealists, etc. I’ve been painting for almost three decades now. Early on, my work leaned toward a surrealist style. My painting style and art have evolved and matured over time, through the integration of new techniques, experimentation, etc. My focus has always been to remain true to my own artistic vision. As an autodidact artist it’s been a profoundly interesting and fulfilling creative journey of learning and self discovery. I consider myself somewhat an outsider artist but see that as an asset not a liability. Other influences on my art have been music, literature, cinema and photography. I think it’s nearly impossible to be a painter and not be inspired by other forms of art, they are inextricably linked, cross pollinate and inform one another. All are meaningful expressions of innate human creativity.” - Robert King “After all the long winded, tedious, artsy fartsy jargon filled explanations and pseudo academic analysis, I paint simply because I love doing it. I really can’t tell you why.