In the Wilderness with Matisse

In the Wilderness with Matisse
 
Henry Matisse is one of my all time favorite artists! He has given me abundant inspiration and enthusiasm for art. "In the Wilderness with Matisse," is my perspective on Matisse and his work. I thoroughly enjoyed working this painting! I began with a gray wash and added patches of colors before composing this piece. The gray wash really makes the colors stand out, and the patches of colors add an abstract intensity that is apparent in much of Matisse's work. Most people seldom understand or appreciate Matisse's work. I have always been enamored by his freely composed colorful masterpieces! Realistic paintings offer their own challenges, but impressionism such as Matisse's paintings, are a challenge within themselves! In an impressionistic work, there is always an extra step in the painterly process; the artist must not just copy and reproduce the picturesque scene before him, he must now decide how to change and manipulate the scene in an entirely new way, and this new perspective is driven entirely by his imagination and intuition. Besides these two key components or "gifts," he must be attentive to making his imaginative scene harmonious by correctly making the colors, shapes, and perspective work in the scene. Sometimes it will not, but if he or she is sharp and gifted enough, the composition will work! This is the reason why I always prefer an impressionist piece to realism. I believe that in realistic works, the aforementioned process is done for you. There is hardly a creative, imaginative aspect apparent in realism as is incumbent in impressionism.
 
Acrylic on canvas - 8 x 10