David Cannon

About David Cannon

Much of my art work today has to do with exploration and a love of learning. Often times, I introduce narratives that are important to me. This can include worldly views or things that pertain more to the soul. My aim is to present these works in a way that may encourage the viewer to discover or re-evaluate an old story, thought or idea and perhaps contemplate some of these gems of wisdom that we overlook or don't take the time to ponder in our busy lives. Many of my pieces have obvious narratives, while others can be more of a a subtle hint. Seeing, absorbing and being present in our surroundings, instead of far off in our mind, is also a common theme. There is an abundance of beauty and inspiration all around us that we tend to walk right past, oblivious to it's presence. I try to make a point of noticing, and helping others become more aware of this. I present my art in a way that is positive and sometimes even playful. The titles I conceive are also part of the creative process and often times a clue to help decipher the intention of the painting. When I create a painting, generally a vast portion of the work from blank canvas to varnish is spent researching historical facts, myths, legends or anatomy for example. I roll ideas around, engaging in a tug-o-war between what I intend to express and what I am planning aesthetically. When it's time to paint, I tend to work quickly in the beginning, influencing the ambiance for that particular piece. This is where a big part of the joy of creating comes in for me. I love exploring the universe of options within the paint and surface. Each piece is a new endeavor, which urges me to constantly adjust my thinking in the way I perceive and project my idea on to the surface, like choreographing an intricate dance between light, shadow, color and space, which are all working together to compose the final product. The way I paint is a combination of multiple styles and techniques. Ranging from thick paint applied with pallet knives, to ultra thin layers glazed or washed over the surface. I often render a hazy quality to effect a softer, more surreal feeling. If pressed, I would describe the end result as "painterly realism." When it comes to colors, I have a fascination with old, weathered things, be it natural or man-made. This is probably partially responsible for my color palette. I tend to gravitate toward misty, grey scenes and warm rich browns accented by small areas of strong color. I like to save the most vivid colors, the whitest whites and the darkest darks for specific focal areas. I have always loved the process of making art. It is a great feeling when I put down the brushes and I know a piece is finished. However, in the time it takes me to create one painting, I have usually come up with multiple new project ideas to explore. I'm thankful for this wonderful cycle, which continues from one painting to the next.