Jamie Markle - AcrylicWorks 2. Radical Breakthroughs

CINCINNATI, OHIO

artistsnetwork.com

I first became aware of acrylic paints back in college, where my professor advised us to select one painting medium and use it for the duration of our studies. While this didnt provide the most balanced of experiences when it came to exploring the range of painting mediums available, it did provide the benefit of gaining a deep understanding of my medium of choice. That medium was acrylics. And what a choice it waslittle did I know how diverse and exciting this paint could be! Ive learned a lot about the medium, and art in general, since my freshman year and Im lucky to be able to share some of my knowledge and perspective through the amazing paintings created by the artists within this book.

As Group Publisher of North Light Books since 2007, I have had the privilege of seeing thousands (if not millions!) of works of art. And I have been blessed to work with hundreds of artists and authors during my tenure. While styles and genres of art may come into (and fall out of) favor over the years, quality and originality never go out of style. The works in this book capture a moment in our collective history to tell the story of our time, in the most modern of mediums. The beautiful thing about painting in acrylics is that the medium can be manipulated in many forms. But we need to remember that the medium is only the vehicle for the artists vision.

Paintings are more than just pigment on canvas or paper; they are a record of our experience as artists. What we see, the lives we livewhether it be a singular, spectacular experience or one of those everyday moments that go unrecognized until we stop to acknowledge the beauty that exists around usthe job of the artist is to capture those moments to be cherished and shared with others. This book shows some small insight into those special moments by exhibiting the talent of 116 artists who have honed their skills, developed a critical eye and dedicated time and energy to the art of painting. They then took that expertise and fashioned the 126 works included on these pages.

As I was selecting the works to appear in this book, I approached it as if I were putting together an art show centered around the theme of Radical Breakthroughs. I was looking for something different. That could be the approach or style, the method of painting, the composition, a surprising use of color, creative brushstrokes or unusual subject matter. I hope that each work offers something unique for the viewer and provides some insight that might help the artist in all of us learn more about the painting process. Such knowledge will help us understand not only the painting, but also a little bit more about ourselves.

So, enjoy my art show in a book. I hope you learn something new, see something that delights your eye and inspires you to create that radical breakthrough of your own some day.

Jamie Markle

Joe

Jamie Markle

Acrylic and mixed media on wood panel

10" 10" (25cm 25cm)

Salute to Salt Creek

Nancy Yaki

Acrylic on canvas

30" 48" (76cm 122cm)

Location and perspective play heavily in my compositions. I enjoy using the realism of depth to draw a viewer into experiencing the space and environment and consequently the feeling that they evoke. Once the composition is established, I look for those representational details that can be simplified or even omitted to focus the experience even further, while color is the binding element that unifies the emotional resonance. Salute to Salt Creek is just such a composition. The foreground is immediate, the middle ground is the journey, and the ocean is the awaiting mystery.

Tranquility

Christine Nadeau

Acrylic on canvas

20" 24" (51cm 61cm)

Acrylic possesses many qualities: It is compatible with several mediums and is fast drying to stimulate creativity and enable a fast change of orientation. Versatile and malleable, acrylic allows the use of brush, spatula and different tools, all to enrich my creations. My work was inspired by a photograph taken in the Maritime Provinces and by different sketches, and completed in my studio. With large, lively and spontaneous brushstrokes like a mosaic, my work fits perfectly in the radical breakthroughs theme. I love painting marine scenes because as in real life, they offer periods of calm, activity, softness and fulfillment.

Another Crossroads

Darien Bogart

Acrylic on panel

30" 80" diptych (76cm 203cm)

The process begins with a long hike, bottle of water, sketch pad and camera. All of my landscape work is derived from my experience in nature. I take many pictures, inspired notes and sketches. I combine these experiences in the studio and compose my work. Painting an idea can take on a life of its own, and I have found it is best to follow that muse rather than fight it.

Another Crossroads was a days journey ending at the right place at the right time. The spirit of place shouted out and gave me a beautiful vision. The symbolism, color and idea, where I was personally in my lifeit was all there. So I listened.

RAY HILL

Two for Joy

Brian LaSaga

Acrylic on Masonite panel

20" 28" (51m 71cm)

I used to work with watercolor, egg tempera and oil but moved on to acrylics after many experiments with this very versatile medium. I liked what I saw, and it allowed me to layer rather quickly since it didnt take very long to dry. Acrylics fit so well for my subject matter. My technique requires many layers of paint so that paint blends visually rather than physically as with oils. This painting was done in my studio, but the photo was taken from my kayak as I coasted slowly along the beach. The only changes I made were adding the crows and painting in a different sky.

All my paintings start with a digital image, and later I may add and manipulate elements from other images using Photoshop until I arrive at a pleasing composition. In this painting I chose driftwood as the main subject because of its abstract and realistic characteristics. Since I do a fair bit of kayaking, I see a lot of driftwood along the beach, and it looks like bones scattered everywhere. Driftwood is my favorite subject.