"It is a basic instinct to express ourselves. As babies we start with a frown or a smile and as we grow older it gets more complicated. I express my perception of the world through my art. I see the electricity that flows through that which surrounds us and I try to capture that in the subject matter, the color and construction of my painting.
Having an insatiable curiosity throughout life has led me to be enthralled about everything from the smallest bugs to the grandest trees, from the shape of a flower to the human form. And it is the essence of all things I strive to see and interpret in my painting. Color and form translate that which makes nature bold and quiet, stormy and serene, majestic and playful.
I have painted most of my life and, while mostly self-taught, I have taken courses both at the Creative Arts Workshop and the Silvermine Art School. My major artistic influences are: Matisse, Vlaminck, Derain, Klimt, and Sargent. I paint in oils exclusively; on canvas, wood, and masonite.
Richard Stephen is taking us back to the basics. To our basic instincts. Our basic instincts to express ourselves, to be heard. And as he explains as we get older it gets more complicated, he is right in saying it. It is true plain language doesn't mean a thing. But to see something visual that touches the soul, enough is said and no words need to be spoken.
Richard takes us to that place. He brings us to a space that nothing needs to be said, nothing needs to be heard. His blending of different styles in one painting alone explains the multitude of words that can be said. He brings you from the clean, smooth graceful flow of the stroke of the brush to the structured, albeit square form "pixelism" that plays off each other causing our minds to see that differences do work together, collaboration with ease, without tension, blending working creating a piece that a statement has been made.
This is seen in "Bridge" below.
"Bridge" - oils - by Richard Stephen
He speaks of seeing "the electricity that flows through that which surrounds us". "Capturing it" or more so of harnessing the energy to flow through his brush. The energy masterfully brings the vibrancy of color to its height, the technique used again but instead of squares "pixelism" we see pointillism this time blending with the intricacy of the leaves against the abruptness of lines and starkness between colors drawing your eyes in, your mind clearly sees what was stated. Only you know what that statement is, for it might even be different from Richard's. This is seen in "Chestnut Trees" below.
"Chestnut Trees" - oils - by Richard Stephen
Using both color and form, he brings them together brilliantly. The colors often opposites and yet at the same time compliment each other. Thin strokes create the ends of each branch that the leaves cling to when in full bloom stretching and expanding to short, wider and deliberate strokes creating each branch spreading, getting larger as they approach the trunk, the tree's nurturing center. It stands proud reaching upward against the hues of the yellow sky where each paint stroke is smooth with flowing grace. One sees the colors blend, becoming one with the subject, creating the grandeur of Nature against the silken sky on canvas. This is seen in "Sycamore" below:
"Sycamore" - oils - by Richard Stephen
Oh, the mind's eye can do so much, can see so much, can speak words that cannot be spoken but yet we hear them making a statement, expression in the most basic form. Richard Stephen made a statement without speaking a word, all the while collaborating with color, with style, with technique harmoniously blending, communicating with each other. Now it is time for you to make yours.
Richard Stephen's works will be on display at Sobobo Gallery during the month of September. Join us on Thursday, September 19th for an Exhibit Reception starting at 6:30 pm.
