Wednesday, May 19, 2010

"Energy, Light and Color" Exhibit





by Dena Tollefson
http://www.denatollefson.com/

Abby Jones, Paul Monska and Dena Tollefson will be exibiting over 50 paintings in a juried 3-person show entitled "Energy, Light and Color" at the Lowe Center for the Arts in Marion sponsored by the Marion Arts Council. Reception is June 3, 2010 6:00-7:30PM which is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. You are invited!!

The three of us will be giving an art talk at this reception to explain intentions behind the paintings. I am exhibiting my Corn Series and Abstract Series. Last week I wrote last week about the Corn Series- this week I'll write about the Abstracts... 



"The Last Week" 28"x22" Acrylic on Canvas copyright 2009 Dena Tollefson


"Noah's Ark, Gypsy" 40"x30" Acrylic on Canvas copyright 2005 Dena Tollefson


"Sin" 20"x16" Acrylic on Canvas copyright 2005 Dena Tollefson


"Mountain Sunrise, The Flight" 18"x24" Acryic on Canvas copyright 2009 Dena Tollefson

These Abstract paintings are all about symbolism with a goal of strong composition.  I first determine a theme or symbol for the painting and then develop a pencil or pen sketch to work out a composition of overlapping and tangential shapes which support the idea. I then lay out this plan with a thin layer of paint. The photos shown here are acrylic paintings, this approach is the same whether I am using acrylic or oil paint. I then continue building up layers by glazing color until the painting is complete.

My goal is to have connections between the small elements in the painting but have them read as a whole shape with a color balance across the painting. One should be able to divide the canvas in quarters and have balance and a sense of harmony in all quadrants. I use a lot of black and white with strong contrasts in these paintings to increased drama.

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