Artist's Statement
Bruce Black (born August 15th, 1970) An American traditional artist painting the landscapes of the southwest and western United Sates. Bruce currently lives in Arizona where he paints and teaches art.
Capturing the Beauty of the Southwestern Landscape: An Artist's Journey
As a Southwestern landscape painter, I find inspiration in the natural beauty of the American Southwest. The rugged terrain, unique atmosphere, and captivating light of the region have captivated me since childhood. Growing up in Arizona, I spent much of my time exploring the Southwest and Northwest regions of the United States. I rounded up cattle in Utah during the summers, skied the Rockies in the winter, and backpacked around Northern Arizona. I even ventured into Wyoming's Tetons region during college. These experiences have become a part of who I am and are reflected in my artwork.
When I paint, I aim to capture the feeling and essence of a place. I seek out locations where the interplay of light and shadow creates a sense of mystery and beauty. For me, the Southwest landscape represents the human spirit: dark, unknowable, yet bright and alive. Being in the wilderness reminds us of our smallness and fragility, but also of the awe-inspiring power of nature that connects us with our spiritual side.
To create my paintings, I often start with quick studies in nature and take numerous photographs. Back in my studio, I select the images that stand out and use them to establish the composition. I create black, gray, and white studies to work on values and shapes before completing a small watercolor study to consider color relationships. Then, I sketch the painting on canvas and lay in a basic underpainting of values. As I add color, I work on the big shapes and adjust the composition. My favorite part of the process is when I can begin to add light and details, bringing the painting to life.
I use old-world techniques and archival methods to create my paintings with the intention that they will last for generations and bring joy and wonder to those who view them. I hope my work inspires introspection and a sense of peace in those who experience it.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about my passion for painting the Southwestern landscape.
Sincerely, Bruce Black
When I paint, I aim to capture the feeling and essence of a place. I seek out locations where the interplay of light and shadow creates a sense of mystery and beauty. For me, the Southwest landscape represents the human spirit: dark, unknowable, yet bright and alive. Being in the wilderness reminds us of our smallness and fragility, but also of the awe-inspiring power of nature that connects us with our spiritual side.
To create my paintings, I often start with quick studies in nature and take numerous photographs. Back in my studio, I select the images that stand out and use them to establish the composition. I create black, gray, and white studies to work on values and shapes before completing a small watercolor study to consider color relationships. Then, I sketch the painting on canvas and lay in a basic underpainting of values. As I add color, I work on the big shapes and adjust the composition. My favorite part of the process is when I can begin to add light and details, bringing the painting to life.
I use old-world techniques and archival methods to create my paintings with the intention that they will last for generations and bring joy and wonder to those who view them. I hope my work inspires introspection and a sense of peace in those who experience it.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about my passion for painting the Southwestern landscape.
Sincerely, Bruce Black