John Cromwell

Abstract colorist exploring shapes, colors and relationships between objects and layers.  

I find abstract shapes and layers of colors can create engagement with the viewer, encouraging questions as "what am I feeling, what am I seeing, where does this take me"? It's an introspective experience and although I title many of my pieces they might be best left untitled as the viewer has their own perspective to build on. I'm exploring how to hide images underneath, followed by multiple layers of colors and shapes, where the viewer discovers much more when they come up close. There is much happening beneath the uppermost layers. 

My most recent larger canvas, titled Aerial, is a perfect example of the layering process. There were probably close to a half dozen major steps in building up the colors and depth in this painting. So, as a viewer you see one image when seeing it from 30 feet and something entirely different while up close. I generally tend to favor a very smooth canvas, using several layers of gesso, sanded between coats, as that provides a great surface for subtle variations in colors in the layering process. However, I also like working with paper affixed to canvases and then working from there, not as a collage, but as a means of setting up a physical topology on the canvas that I then work with as I add paint. It adds surface irregularities that I find very interesting to incorporate in my pieces, a good example being the smaller piece, Unhinged. 

I am continuing this exploration, testing the visual perception as to what is underneath, what is on top, what is the significance of each and how do they hold together.  It’s a combination of so many factors:  intense color, geometric lines, liquid spills, opacity and transparency, rough textures and buttery smooth surfaces.  It all adds up to a complex image which has to be investigated and enjoyed.