INSTRUCTORS’ INSIGHT: Dael Patton

These four pieces represent my understanding and feelings about painting in the Abstract Expressionist style. The result is my interpretation and application of some of the philosophies of that period. The main concept is that the basic art elements, color, line, texture, design are “the subject” of the painting rather than a recognizable object such as a landscape, still life or figure, etc.

This attitude is believed by some to be more honest, because paint looks like paint, not like a tree. Paint can be used with other materials such as paper, wood, metal, clay and cloth. When combining any of these materials and incorporating any of the basic art elements to a painting is commonly referred to as a “mixed media.”

For several years I have been exercising these ideas in my paintings and hope my work reflects honesty in the use of the materials.

Dael Patton, Painting Instructor