Diebenkorn
Diebenkorn
Thiebaud
Diebenkorn
Diebenkorn
Thiebaud
Lately I have been so inspired by the cityscapes of Wayne Thiebaud and the cityscapes and abstractions of Richard Diebenkorn. Maybe it's this beautiful spring weather in Lawrence, but, at the moment, the pastels and low saturation of these artist's color palettes looks particularly appealing. The places depicted in these artist's works look familiar, and I believe any viewer can relate to them.
Diebenkorn and Thiebaud have been influencing my own artwork lately--which I'm excited about. I love exploring the connotations of rural and suburban life--portraying the nostalgia attached to these places, and the sterotypes attached to these places. I like to question the American Dream...do these places represent the American Dream?
My own upbringing felt comfortable and family-oriented, with an emphasis on appreciating nature and the outdoors. I think this has made me an optimistic person, with the characteristic Mid-Western passiveness, politeness, and niceness. I appreciate where I've come from--but it makes me long to experience the world outside of my comfort zone, even though it is a life I know and love.
My recent travels to New York City gave me a taste of a fast-paced, urban lifestyle. The memory of this trip has provided me with a symbolic gateway to a new beginning outside of Kansas. I fell in love with the city, and even felt a part of it.
Still, I took with me my Mid-Western roots. They will always be a part of me, and always represent home.
I'm interested in the connection that people have with places. We often become so attached to places we've been. My next painting in my Painting II class will explore this connection.
I'm looking forward to sharing some of my work.
