David Barnes
My most recent paintings in this exhibit are different in technique and materials from most of the work I’ve done previously; but they take up the same themes. The newest paintings in the show are painted on fairly course linen that has been primed with a clear acrylic coat. This was a change for me. The natural color of the linen inspired me to leave portions unpainted, so that the color could remain visible and become part of the finished piece. The rough texture of the linen seemed to lend itself more to staining and scumbling, instead of fluid brushstrokes which is my usual method of working. On the whole, the work is pared down and atmospheric, which is consistent with my previous paintings. They exist somewhere between representation and abstraction. Between form and formlessness.
