Maxwell Torgersen Ii

I am a self-taught figurative painter working in oil paint. My focus on figurative art is based upon the limitless nuances of facial expression and the language of human movement. I am fascinated by human behavior. I find joy in depicting both purposeful movement and ambiguous stillness in my interpretation of figures and faces. I enjoy setting the stage, creating the characters, and telling the story.
The inescapable transience of time is at the center of much of my art. I am inspired by the brevity of a glance, a gesture, a facial expression, or of human scenarios not likely to be repeated. I paint to preserve moments that I consider significant even though they initially seem to lack meaning.
Some of my work is cynical and opinionated. I don’t ask that the viewer share my opinions, only that they look. Teeth-gritting is welcome. The motivation for creating it is still fresh in my memory, and everyone’s struggle continues.
I both hate and love that a painting does not spring fully formed from the mind of the artist directly to the canvas. Fierce battles with my inner critic and the exhilaration of infrequent victory inspire me. For me, painting is standing in the solitary kingdom of the studio while narrating silent stor...