http://www.phoenixartspace.com/robertdenning

Robert Denning

My work reflects my life experiences. It is a mix of clarity and chaos. The clarity provides the comfort while the chaos provides the excitement and interest. Even things that seem completely chaotic have an underling structure. Nature is a perfect example of this concept. Nature is constantly reproducing patterns. I don’t paint from nature necessarily but my palette tends to take on a very natural hue that gives the pieces an earthy, authentic energy. There’s a mix of controlled strokes as well as liquid-like forms generated by the thinned paint creating its own flow and purpose.

This mix of clarity and chaos is also impacted by an underlying tension. By taking a closer look at the pieces you’ll see that there’s layer upon layer of washes to create the effect. The skin underneath shows that there’s something going on besides what you see at first glance.

Robert Denning's Images

Like many artists, I was always drawing and creating stuff as a kid. I was obsessed with it. I’d draw on anything someone would put in front of me. Thinking back, my mother probably used that as a way to keep my busy little hands out of trouble. After high school, I pursued my business degree and landed in the advertising industry. Although I enjoyed many aspects of the business, I still felt creatively unfulfilled. I again turned back to creating art. A few years ago, I put down the drawing pencil and picked up the paintbrush. The friends and family that I showed my first few paintings to immediately wanted a piece. This encouraged me to continue painting and enter a few juried shows. I now have paintings in commercial spaces and personal collections. Starting October 3 (First Fridays), my work can be viewed at Coe House (365 N. 4th Ave., near Cibo and Palette downtown).