Final piece left in this very popular series!
This acrylic abstract painting was created in the midst of COVID, when fresh air and spring awakening was our only solace in a world of endless unknowns. The hope of new growth, new buds on the trees bring thoughts of hope and resilience.
I am an observational artist who paints abstractly. These are minimalist paintings created by layering lines and organic forms on canvas. I am observing my surroundings, wherever I may be––developing whimsical impressions of abstracted landscapes.
Paint is applied in sweeping gestures—tracing the movements of my body. These forms are both accentuated and complemented by delicate painted lines. Both the forms and painted lines are meant to consciously interact with the frame of the painting, so that the edge of the canvas itself becomes a line demarcating the limits of the work. The result is a tension between the sharper geometric edge of the canvas and the smoother organic forms that interact with it. This tension, along with the organic gestures of the forms and lines speaks to the moments I am observing, the constant relationship between rigid urban architecture and the endless persistence of nature.
I am the artist, Mel Reese. I hold an MFA in Fine Arts from SVA and have attended both the Elsewhere Studios and Vermont Studio Center residencies. I have had a number of solo exhibitions, including a recent show with THE GALLERY by Odo, in addition to several group and juried exhibitions. My work has been in a number of publications including New American Paintings, Inside Artists, and Studio Visit Magazine. I live and work in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. If you are local, come say hi! I'd love to host you for a studio visit and discuss more about my past and present work.
