Figurative Oils

In these oil paintings I explore the theme of identity and its fluctuating  nature. We do not adhere to an undeviating set persona neither to the public, those closest or even to ourselves. Who we present to the world changes from day to day if not from hour to hour.  Defining the self is an ambitious endeavor as it is constantly evolving, learning  and maturing. In these oil paintings I want to reflect this. I concentrate on the core, the midsection of the figure because that is where I feel the inner self resides. The figure is not rooted, but rather evasive and eluding definition reflecting the ever developing character. My pallette tends towards the pastel as I want to enhance the sensation of weightlessness.

What I appreciate about oil painting here is the definitive act of mark-making, unlike watercolor which is fluid, gentle and unpredictable, the paint strokes here are thick, aggressive and deliberate. My approach is more decisive as opposed to making a mess on a canvas, then pulling something out of that mess to create an image.