Nan Griffin, Artist Statement

I work in the abstract, where the outcome is always unknown.  I begin with some colorful shapes and then react intuitively to these colors and shapes until I feel the work is finished.  This way of painting gives me a feeling of excitement and accomplishment that working in realism lacks.  Painting abstracted subjects and non-representational works is addictive.

I think the most interesting feature of abstract painting, after the fun of putting the paint down, is what the viewer brings to the painting.  the viewer must get involved and participate because after they are initially attracted to the work they must bring their own viewpoint and ideas to identify why they are intrigued with it.  A good, strong abstract painting will change with new personal input every time someone different looks at it.  Living with that type of painting offers the viewer new delights whenever they look at it.

Today I am painting abstracted landscapes that seem to almost paint them self.  the essence of sky, water, earth, mountains and foliage are conveyed, yet in a bolder, freer manner then if they were painted realistically.  My style evolves continually and I am allowing it to happen by trying not to get stuck into a safe, comfortable place with my painting.  I never consciously decided to change styles, I evolved as I got more comfortable doing art.  Reactive  painting fits my personality.  It is a very personal way of painting; it is hard work , but very satisfying for me.