About

 

My name is Arron James McGuire and I am a visual artist residing in Northern California. My current focus in my art practice is expressive abstract painting that explores how color, movement, form, and space can interact to engage viewers emotionally and intellectually. I strive to create compositions with a balance between; structure and freedom, movement and depth, cohesion and fragmentation, plus dynamic and calm and contemplative energy. My intent is to create a narrative within each painting that may take the viewer on a journey of exploration and discovery while I’m examining moments of life that interest me.

I endeavor to satisfy this intent through the use of; abstract and recognizable forms, structured and organic shapes, textured application of layered color, and the use of bold black outlines that generate a graphic quality that defines and unifies the elements of each composition while maintaining a sense of fluidity and movement. Many paintings begin with an automatic drawing exercise to establish the movement and energy behind the story. With this foundation in place I can focus on the interplay of shapes and seek out elements to accentuate and spaces to highlight. Through a process of adding and subtracting with mark making, layering paint, the introduction of other materials, sanding, scraping, gestural movements, and fine line work I flesh out the narrative of the piece.

Through this process I believe I provide bits of interest to draw viewers into the work and hold them with additional nuance that gives them plenty to discover and interpret. My hope is that this expression of how I see the world around me will offer others connection, engagement, and dialogue with much to consider be it nature, memory, or the complexities of the human experience. The idea that something personal to me may also provide a contemplative atmosphere or create a dialogue for people to engage with is very rewarding.

 If I were a better writer or orator that would be my method of relaying my interpretation of my personal experiences but it turns out I’m best suited to express myself visually. I paint because I’m nostalgic and I like to relive some of life’s moments by visually telling a story. Painting is also therapeutic for me. I paint because it is the best way for me to process some of life’s more challenging experiences. I get to work through things, take them out and examine them from different angles and either gain a better understanding or at least be at peace with the way things are. In my opinion it just so happens that some of the resulting art created by this process offers something for an audience to take away as well.