Michael Carson is a figurative painter who leaves his works in the midst of a haze. Aspects of the paintings, in regards to a more classical approach almost appear as an under painting, however in many instances he introduces bold rich black areas in contrast to such grey tones. This allows Carson to play with the idea of push and pulling parts of the painting to primarily jump out as others recede into the backdrop and fusing with the background. In the painting of the man seated in front of a blue backdrop, the right shoulder and arm or the figure disappears into the haze of a shadow his upper body seems to occupy. This however does not allow the eye to strain in finding where such a body part escaped to. Carson eliminates such unnecessary information and allows the viewers eye to fill in the information that is needed (The eye is a magical thing.. you can let it do some of the work when making art.) One reason I am drawn to his works is the beautifully rendered shadow shapes that are so simple in execution that exist throughout his paintings. In the lights the figures are able to take on more flesh baring qualities to establish them as being alive. The other aspect I am drawn towards is their complete sense of isolation and loneliness even when presented in larger groups.
But as a final statement - the man in the bow tie against the wall paper with his head turned to see his excellent profile.. is just marvelous.
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