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| landscapes | seascapes | about the artist | purchasing |
| Dan VanLandingham:
Artist's Statement The great Albrecht Durer once said, "art is embedded in nature; he who can pluck it out possesses it." Experiences with the natural world have shaped the way I perceive space. My art has constantly been a reflection of the place I grew up. The scenic land and seascapes found on Martha's Vineyard are what inspire my creative painting process. My personal connections to the aesthetic beauty and culture surrounding Martha's Vineyard allows me to recreate the heightened visual and emotional drama I've experienced. The endless variations in nature relating to color, lighting, and composition have driven me to pursue a lifelong passion for art. A strong emphasis has been focused on capturing the intricacies of the Vineyard Sound and Atlantic Ocean. My desire to extend Vineyard traditions and culture through the documentation of time and space is found in landscapes within the islands interior. I have found that the greatest form of expression in my work has been conveyed through oil paintings on canvas. For this reason, I have submerged myself in oil painting. My experience with the natural world has shaped the way I perceive space. My artistic preferences and the endless variations in nature have driven me to pursue a lifelong passion for art. My emphasis has been focusing on the intricacies of the ocean. Growing up on an island has inspired me and allowed me to gain an appreciation for the sea that extends beyond the surface. Form and expression in movement have shaped the fluid textures that are incorporated in my work. My color palette and textures are an ever changing element in my work that mimics the seasons. Angle, point of focus, and movement are the elements I use to create depth and translucency. I find that ocean currents create the most beautiful textures, patterns and forms that vary due to weather, sunlight, and the contour of the ocean floor. My passion for the sea has led me to experiment with a large array of media ranging from two dimensional to three dimensional. The ocean is in constant flux. I intend to capture each dramatic change within this natural cycle. Personal interests associated with the ocean, including fishing and surfing, will continue to inspire my work. Mysteries of the ocean found beneath the surface will guide my exploration of subject matter. |