John Schartung

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&ensp&ensp&ensp&ensp&ensp I like to think that my painting is a record of movement, documenting my relationship and interaction with paint on canvas from life's experiences. I do not approach my work with a pre-conceived idea of a finished piece; rather I react with intuition based on my knowledge of color, balance, and harmony. These components do exist in nature, but not always in day to day life.

&ensp&ensp&ensp&ensp&ensp As I approach my canvas, I spend time reflecting on life trying to find that moment when all the negative thoughts are gone, then will my reflections and thoughts be in their purest state. Only at that moment do the marks I make show a true harmony and balance as well as joy, sadness, and excitement that I feel. This mark making will hopefully relate to the viewer those emotions I am feeling. When I take that time to reflect and my thoughts are pure a great feeling of freedom and joy surges though my body as I work, it is a feeling unlike any other.

&ensp&ensp&ensp&ensp&ensp My work is influenced by Pollack, de Kooning, Kandinsky, Kline, Joan Mitchell, and other abstract expressionist. Color and texture are the two major elements I utilize in my work. I exploit the use of texture to give colors of weaker chroma more dominance over the richer colors. In addition, the use of texture allows the viewer to experience the physical process I employ in the creation of the artwork.

&ensp&ensp&ensp&ensp&ensp I believe that abstract art should be enjoyed just as music is enjoyed. My approach to painting is like that of a jazz musician. The improvisations are a response to the rhythmic patterns I feel. I often title my pieces with musical terms to evoke that same feeling.



&ensp&ensp&ensp&ensp&ensp John Schartung, 2010