Artist’s Statement
Atmosphere is essential to my work. From early on, I have always gravitated toward developing atmosphere by identifying the tone, amplifying the depth while simplifying the surface of the painting. It is the internal environment of my work, and it is extremely vital. This process also provides the forms and subjects chosen to coexist. I am inspired both by man-made structure, like wrought iron, and also those of the aviary, equestrian and botanical in nature, icons which coexist in the environments that I create.
The subject matter of my paintings are philosophical and full of visual sentiment. Manipulated and layered, my work represents personal experiences, both real and invented. These experiences are rooted in a whimsical revelry of nature.
My paintings are presented here through a lifelong journal, or a “storybook” entitled “A Painter’s Diary,” Each chapter represents a theme in my life as a painter and human. The paintings are separated into CHAPTERS and are titled by quotations.
As with life, the images are filled with imaginative and suggestive experiences. The paintings employ continual change that moves through layers of color and medium. This is my personal evolution and growth, presented before the viewer as an expression of translucent organic form, color and light, accompanied by delicate structure. -Shane Pendley