JON CARSMAN (1944 -1987)
Jon Carsman was born in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania in 1944, and he grew up surrounded by the Appalachian Mountain Range, with its lush woods and forests. Carsman found the source of his inspiration in the play of color and light reflected across the framed houses, streets and countryside of small town America.
Jon likes to be in the woods at springtime
to capture its arrival. His paintings synthesize realism and
fantasy. To quote the artist, "I want, with the woodland
scenes, to create certain phenomena that take place in nature.
I want to paint wonderful pools of water with shimmering
reflections."
Carsman's paintings reflect the resurgence
of American realism in art. Realism is not an identifiable technique
or style but an attitude, a view of the world that offers perception
without artifice. Realism examines and represents the subject
without isolating it from its surroundings, The everyday reality
that Carsman paints is a selected experience. For the layman,
subjectivity is a condition of perception. Our preconceived ideas
of reality have clouded our objectivity in viewing reality. The
"artist's vision", especially the New Realist vision,
makes the relationships as simple and direct as possible.
Color is an important factor in Carsman's
work. His pallet is vibrant and intense. Often his work is reminiscent
of Roualt's brilliant stained glass church windows. Carsman isolates
strong areas of color in juxtaposition with dark outline, the
colors become crystallized motifs with a sparkling jewel-like
quality. Color is the greatest emotional factor in painting and
Carsman uses this device very successfully. Carsman paints broad
areas of vivid high-key tones with a surprising effect that creates
a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.
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