Syzygy

11"x16.5"
Acrylic on cardboard
Syzygy refers to the lining up of planets.

Exposed - New Art

New art entitled: Exposed. I have been thinking about using more sustainable materials in my art making. I also want to add texture to my work so cardboard fits both criteria. This piece was inspired by both landscapes and decay. I like the idea of creating art that looks as if it is in transition. After all, everything is in transition at all times. Nothing is stable.
See more on my web site: brianraszka.com
Soon to be on my Etsy site.

Recent Commissioned Painting

40"x16" Acrylic and oil on canvas. This piece was commissioned as an anniversary present. I met the intended recipient to get to know her a little bit before I started this piece. Her profession is in science, specifically geology and environmental science. I began to think of rock formations, tectonics and bringing vibrant colors into the mix. I also, as usual, wanted this piece to have plenty of texture. This is the result.
I've been told this present went over very well.

BUILDUP - Art of Nature Series

BUILDUP - 27"X40" Acrylic and oil on canvas. Continuing my series of Art Of Nature. My inspiration here being round forms found in nature: stones, cells, etc.Detail

Mimic - Art of Nature series

24"x24" Acrylic, oil, graphite on panel.
This piece is titled, "Mimic" is a reference to forms in nature that are similar. My inspiration for this was a leaf of an oak tree. Not sure which variety but it was one that I picked up on a walk last fall. It had a great shape like a puzzle piece. I was also thinking of the leaves of the Dusty Miller plant. These shapes are similar to the form of a mammals vertebrae.
I was also experimenting a bit with getting back into oil paints here. The underpainting is done in acrylics and then I use oil on top. I'm using Alkyd oils as they dry faster than regular oils. I can add on top of them after a few hours. I add a little Galkyd to speed up drying time even more.

Detail

Art in Nature - "Lichen"

LICHEN
24"x24"
Acrylic, Oil, colored pencil and graphite
I am starting a new painting series based on shapes, textures and colors that I observe in nature. My intent with this series is to create abstract paintings that will, if all goes well elicit in the viewer an emotional reaction.
I am getting back to some basics with this work. I want to get away from any representational imagery and focus on the act of painting; building up textures and colors. My process has evolved over the years and I have done this building of colors and textures as a background in all my paintings. In some cases, I have liked how the background came out more than the final painting.
I have many ideas sketched out on how to proceed but I find that each painting finds it's own path once I start it.
I enjoyed making this piece which I've titled "Lichen". The circular pattern and texture reminded me of lichen on rocks. I found out something about lichen; it is pollution intolerant meaning that if it's growing, there is no pollution present. Kind of a, "canary in a coalmine" sort of thing for above ground. I like that.