All images are copyright protected by Robert Tynes, 2009. Images may not be used or downloaded without written permission by the artist.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT:

My paintings combine abstract brush marks with trompe l’oeil illusionism. The juxtaposition of these opposite ways of working results in a dialectic approach to painting. The visual tension that exists in the work reflects the dualistic and paradoxical nature of the world as I see it. The paintings can be seen as simultaneously abstract and hyperrealistic, active yet calm, or both contemplative and humorous.

Reconciling different technical approaches to painting allows each method to contribute to the overall mood and feeling of a work. Through the use of illusion, the paintings convey both a sense of mystery and humor, and reflect my longtime interests in Surrealism, as well as the psychology of perception.

In recent years, I have been working on a series of “cutout” paintings in which the illusion of the object is intensified. This is achieved by allowing the trompe l’oeil painting of objects to extend beyond the perimeter of the painting’s perceived boundary. Using large, single sheets of birch plywood as the support, the panels are carefully cut and shaped to create this added effect. Such construction allows the illusion of the objects to move beyond merely projecting toward the viewer, to extending outside the periphery of the paintings, including casting shadows on the wall. When properly lighted, the actual shadows falling on the wall match up with the painted shadows to enhance the illusion.

To view my professional website, please visit RobertTynes.com and click on either Cutouts, Works on Paper, or Works on Canvas.