Anne. D - Art & Self-Expression -

Ever since I was a child, my fascination with colors has been my primary focus in painting, be it on silk, paper, or canvas. Paul Cézanne's words deeply resonate with me:

"There is a logic of colors, and it is with this alone, and not with the logic of the brain that the painter should conform."

While both abstract and figurative subjects equally serve me as points of departure, in my explorations I find myself taking more risks with abstracts, feeling much less bound to a predetermined result. It is often through my abstract work that I find new textures and more unusual color combinations.

What interests me most in my process is to watch color interactions emerge on the support itself: be it with watercolors, pastels, or oils I do very little mixing on my palette. I work directly on paper, canvas, or wood in a succession of layers through addition, subtraction, and abstraction, making for richer textures and color combinations.

I like to work a painting the way I would a woodworking project: through many steps of amorous milling, carving, and sanding - over and over again… I patiently massage my paints, pigments, and collage materials, building them up using knifes, brushes and fingers; thinning them out by rubbing, scratching, and sanding. I like to challenge myself until the very end by taking risks in trying new combinations, so the color theme often emerges quite late in the process. With this way of working, I am kept on my toes throughout the entire process while simultaneously having to surrender to the unknown, and allowing for the magic that can happen at the end.

My insatiable curiosity for new media and new supports takes me along different paths at once, which keeps me inspired and energized. This is how my work stays quite exploratory and diverse in nature.

Anne.D