About The Artist

My concentration has been a continuous exploration of several recurring design themes and the evolution of those themes. I approach each work as a design problem with a solution.  Variations excite and inspire me to advance the designs to the next level. Each work becomes part of that evolving series.  I am both a painter and collagist.  My collage paintings are design puzzles, with no preconceived plan.  The work evolves layer-by-layer, piece-by-piece, all while trying to incorporate a strong overall composition utilizing  elements of design and balance.  The collage paintings are combinations of cut painted paper, acrylic, ink, and oils on masonite and on canvas. I enjoy the challenge of cutting the paper into pieces, painting them, working on the composition and finally gluing it all down. When involved in the art of creating a piece, “I am like an actor in the moment, so in character that at times I don’t know how I created the piece, or if I can ever again repeat the performance in exactly the same way.”   When I am painting in oils the process is different and so is the subject matter, but I also use the layering process, building color on color.  I use a glazing medium, a technique that was used by the old masters and was taught to me by my college professor Ugo Giannini-  1 part damar varnish, 1 part turpentine and 1 part linseed oil that I mix with each pigment.  I have also added oil sticks, ochre pigments and charcoal to this 3-part formula. My Inspiration..... comes from subjects as varied as the cultures of the fertility goddess, ancient cave paintings, masks, aborigines, and the American Indian. Artists that have inspired me are Matisse, Kandinsky, Gauguin, Modigliani, and my college art professors, Ugo Giannini, David Kwo and Sr. Gerardine Mueller,OP. I am energized by great color combinations, and stimulated by the colors of nature, especially those found in the American desert."   www.doreenvalenza.com