Celebrated impressionist Robert Moore presents his first-ever abstract exhibit this month at Dana Gallery, opening First Friday November 1st.
The acclaimed artist shared that this has been an exciting opportunity to experiment and pursue a new visual language.
The acclaimed artist shared that this has been an exciting opportunity to experiment and pursue a new visual language.
Robert will join us in person to meet and greet during the opening reception from 5 to 8. We hope to see you there!
What led you to pursue abstract art?
When I look at strong abstract art, I have always been moved, but had no idea why. I want to know. I am trying to understand the basic elements of visual beauty. This is done without having to answer to recognizable subject matter.
Who/what are your biggest influences when it comes to abstraction?
Ultimately, I am influenced by my belief that God designed nature’s beauty. I’ve spent 40 years asking myself how we visually perceive form in nature. The answer I’ve come to is this: order and variety. Without order, without simple and clear information, we are unable to navigate life. These are the large masses. The beauty, however, often lies in variety—the harmonious relationships within each of those masses.
How and why do you approach the beginning of a new piece?
Why would I approach a painting at all? It is because there is a fire that burns in my soul that wants to understand and express why I was so moved by something. As to how, I approach it in the same way many disciplines of life are approached: from simple to complex. I work with my biggest tools initially to establish the main relationships, and then work with smaller tools and more subtle color relationships.
How do you know when an abstract painting is done?
I mentally edit the painting to see what could happen—to see what changes would make it better or worse. When I can’t see anything that would increase visual impact, but only lessen impact, then I am done.
How do you define success as an artist?
For me, success is somebody being moved by my art—feeling inspired and uplifted.
Have you experienced any significant challenges in your art career? How did you overcome them?
My colorblindness has been the source of decades of frustration. Yet ultimately, it has allowed me to be free while producing abstract paintings. I am not able to criticize my color—I know what is beautiful to me and hope it will be beautiful to a viewer. Perhaps someone will be struck by the color combination that is unique to this colorblind artist.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists?
Nurture the passion and never give up. You will have good results in time.
If you could take a lesson from any historical artist, who would it be and why?
It would not be from any individual. Rather, I would choose to be influenced by the Russian impressionists during the first half of the 1900s. I admire their raw passion. Those artists were receiving no accolades, no fame, and very little income. They endured great hardship while pursuing their potential. They painted outside in the cold. They sacrificed in order to buy brushes and pigment, painting on cardboard or anything they could get their hands on, all with little to no prospects of selling their efforts.
They were so driven to make a statement that contained a piece of beauty. They stuck with it for decades. Each painting had its faults, but each painting also had the embers to ignite the next canvas.
What do you enjoy doing outside of creating art?
I feel joy and fulfillment when I help people reach their dreams and help open their eyes to their greater potential. I believe that is my God-given gift. I also enjoy playing guitar, drums, and harmonica and climbing mountains with my dog Luna, aka Lou.
How do your hobbies impact your art?
Beauty and order are universal and in every discipline. Design can be studied while in the Louvre or while driving a tractor.