“In the absence of the sun, my night scenes are
filled with decorative lights. I love colored lights almost as much as I love
sunlight, and if some of my paintings have a theatrical look, it's because I
briefly considered a career in theatrical lighting. Because I often depict
moving subjects like animals and people, my paintings usually begin through the
lens of a camera. But I don't trust photos. They lie, or at best tell partial
truths. So, as I'm shooting, I'm also trying to memorize the elements that won't
be visible in a photo. If I have time, I'll do some sketching. My goal in the
studio is not to copy a photo, but to use photographs to jog my memory so I can
reconstruct a living scene in my mind. When it plays in my brain like a movie,
so real I can hear it, touch it, and even smell it, I'm ready to paint. Whether
I'm using oils, acrylics, or gouache, my paintings are built using layers of
color. I start by covering the entire working surface with loose strokes and
bright color, then slowly refine the image and add detail until it's done. My
current project is called State Fair, USA. This series of paintings - and
eventual book - are a tribute to the traditions of the American agricultural
fair. I'm painting everything from carnival rides to livestock, and everything
in between. Deep fried Twinkie, anyone?”
Image: Original portrait painting of a woman by
Lesley Spanos
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