Artist's Statement
Bruce Black (born August 15th, 1970) An American artist, primarily a realist, 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