This piece was started in 1998 and completed about 12 months later. The painting started out as puzzle pieces with no real direction.
Initially the middle of the painting was left empty for "something", but at the time I was unsure what that "something" was.
A few months after starting "Bleach", I began to study with James Aponovich. Immediately things started to "click". My techniques became stronger, my pallet started to define, and my own style began to emerge.
I have studied with James off and on over the years. I owe much of my accomplishments to him and his teachings.
James Aponovich
To me, the most interesting part of this painting is the conflict between the two competing styles, the thick heavily applied paint of the puzzle pieces and the finely painted still life.
The writing in the background of "Bleach" is a bit of a riddle. I enjoy embedding Easter eggs into all of my paintings. I won't give it away, but it would take a trained mind to decipher.
I have had numerous offers for this piece, but it's one of my wife and my personal favorites. It's part of my beginning as a professional painters and remains in our personal collection.
"Bleach"- 1999
41" x 31"
Oil on canvas
