Joe Lastomirsky
(Portland, OR USA)
Artist Website
Untitled With Anonymous Floating Nude, Acrylic and oil, 18"x24"
With all my work I am driven by the process as well as subject matter. My current work is mainly of figures in water, and other environments where people relax and take a break from daily stress. The reference material is primarily found imagery, which creates a separation between artist and subject. Not having this personal connection allows me to paint freely and not focus on the specific individual to create their exact likeness. The painting instead changes and evolves into an intentionally ambiguous and abstracted subject matter. This gives the viewer the opportunity to create their own narrative, meaning or associations which make each piece uniquely personal. The image creates a mood of peacefulness and solitude. I begin by establishing a colorful, textured underpainting and allow the colors to come thru on the final image. I try not to be too manipulative and allow the painting to grow spontaneously, concentrating on the details of the composition.