ARTIST AS OBSERVER

Paintings by David Holmes

February 1st through February 26th.
Reception Saturday, February 5, 1 to 4 p.m.

"Target Acquired" 2010 Acrylic/Wood 80"x32"

"Broadway Hustle" 2008 Acrylic/Wood 80"x32""Welcome to Minneapolis" 2009 Acrylic/Canvas 48"x24"

David Holmes spent almost 20 years working as an ad man, observing people and tailoring messages to fit the audience. Now in his new career as painter, he brings those same observational skills to bear on the world all around him. "I am fascinated by the urban landscape and how people exist within it. There's a lot of drama and tension involved in even the most common daily experiences."

At first the paintings appear to be ordinary street scenes, but a closer look reveals deeper layers of subtlety and nuance: A sunny sidewalk crowded with tourists, businessmen, and a homeless panhandler. Three wary figures outside a liquor store, each of whom seems to have a story to tell. A busy intersection in Manhattan that reflects the diversity and ethnic complexity of America.

"There is definitely a psychological element that runs through my work. The people in the paintings are almost like characters in a play. I find myself thinking about them and wondering about their lives inside of the world that I've created."

Holmes collects material as he travels using a small, inconspicuous camera. The raw images are enhanced to create the strongest composition. With this as reference, he then spends several months rendering the picture on wood or canvas. This painstaking process results in something which looks nearly photographic, but in some ways transcends photography. It is a heightened reality, sometimes referred to as "hyper-realism".

"My goal is to create work that looks good, but also causes viewers to think about what might be happening beneath the surface. Each piece can be viewed many times, revealing new levels of meaning and possibility."

Artist's website: http://www.holmespaint.com