Nick Majesky

Dubuque, IA

ARTIST'S STATEMENT

Artist’s Statement:

 

I am a plein air and studio artist, primarily working in the medium of oil paint, currently living in Dubuque, Iowa.  I am interested and inspired by the landscape and cityscapes of my environment.  By means of composition, studying and spontaneity, I try to represent what inspires me.  Translating what I see and experience onto the two-dimensional surface is humbling; it requires dedication and patience. In this respect, I find inspiration from artists, past and contemporary.

 

How I choose a location or subject matter can vary.  Sometimes while on a walk, driving, or while at a painting site, I’ll see something beautiful and then note the time and place for future exploration; other times, I search out specific subjects.  Being dedicated to painting en plein air allows me to be present for specific moments of beauty.

 

Technical Information and Process:

 

The manner in which I begin a painting depends on my intention.  I paint mostly from direct observation;  en plein air, for example.  

 

Generally, when studying specific subject matter (water, boats, cars, skies, etc), the compositional component isn’t primary.  When I am inspired by the environment, I try to find the composition through either small sketches with graphite or markers, or sketches in oil paint. On occasion, I will enlarge these sketches en plein air or in the studio.  

 

For field oil sketches, I paint on 6x8, 8x10, 9x12, and 11x14 inch linen panels.  I will do a very basic drawing with paint of the scene using the sight-size method, and then work from large to small, blocking in general areas of value.   For me, the creative process involves editing, or simplifying the complexities of the environment, in order for the composition to speak.

 

Depending on the painting, I will sometimes use the product Gamvar diluted with a little Gamsol, both Gamblin products, in order to varnish the painting.