CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your artwork, what would it be and why?
DO: I have two bodies of work. Initially I painted large contemporary still-life paintings, so the category might be “representational impressionist still life oil paintings”, but in the past 7 years I have transitioned into a series of abstract color field works, which might be categorized as “immersive abstract color field expressionist oil paintings”.
CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
DO: I set up studies in color relationships and explore the harmonious interactions between different parts of the color wheel while making marks that reveal different qualities of movement and vibration.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new project/ piece of artwork?
DO: As mentioned previously, the work starts out by setting up a color relationship, and then exploring permutations of deeper and richer color relationships while referencing my understanding of color theory and color science. The end product is the result of these deep and convoluted explorations.
CH.89: Is there anything in particular that you would want people to take from your artwork?
DO: The greatest impression I would like to see people experience is to feel the uplifting sensation of losing themselves in the depth and space of each painting.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?
DO: I travel extensively to exhibit at outdoor art festivals all over the country. In recent years I have narrowed my market down to my local audience in the northeast, a limited exposure in the Midwest and a winter tour through every corner of Florida. Whenever I’m home between shows I paint every day, all day. My home life is divided with walking every morning through local forest and trails, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and painting and preparing for the outdoor art events.
CH.89: When starting out an artistic task, do you think it is better to have a particular direction/set plan guiding your way? Or, is it better to act on impulse and go from there?
DO: As mentioned earlier, I set up a challenge with a loose idea of where it might end up, but invariably I wind up finding myself in a different point of conclusion.
CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist thus far?
DO: Trust in the process, and painting will solve everything.
CH.89: Do you regard personal style & taste to be of highest importance?
DO: They are very important, but being kind, thoughtful, polite and healthy are probably just a little more important.
CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist?
DO: The most difficult thing is accepting that each day ends, and eventually life will end.
CH.89: What is one thing you love about being an artist?
DO: The lifestyle is endlessly challenging and rewarding.
CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artist’s that inspire you in any way?
DO: The legacy of great lives that have been lived is always an inspiration to make sure my life matters in large and small ways. Every artist that followed their heart and left images behind for generations to appreciate is a hero for me in a small way.
CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?
DO: It has streamlined every part of business and communication, show applications, trip scheduling, online sales and correspondence is easier than ever before.
CH.89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t follow creative paths?
DO: Everyone does their best, and we all see the world in ways that are important to us. I don’t believe I am any better or worse than anyone else who may or may not be on a creative path in their life.
CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?
DO: I do enjoy the travel aspect of my work, and when I’m no longer traveling for the outdoor art festivals my wife and I like to travel abroad to explore the world. Every place has its own charm, and we discover more wonderful parts of every city each time we return. It would be impossible to name a favorite, as we’re familiar with so many places, from London to Bangkok and NYC to DC to Miami. They are all great.
CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?
DO: Recently reading Robert Galbraith and Andy Weir and Tara French. Endlessly reading new great books and authors.
CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your artwork?
DO: Just keep on going, doing what I do and seeing where it takes me.
CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?
DO: On some level I’m living a life less ordinary. The world looks different to me, and the things I leave behind are big and important pieces of who I am.
CH.89: What’s the last song you listened to?
DO: Hold Me Down by Pacific Dub.
CH.89: Any last words on the aesthetic of your artwork?
DO: Just do, just be.
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