The Painting has a Life of Its Own: An Interview with Jim Klein

This quote by French artist Paul Cezanne rings true: “I am more a friend of art than a producer of painting.”

 

Oftentimes, an artist may find themselves directed by inspiration separate from themselves: the paints, the brushes, even the canvas itself seems to be calling the shots. Artist Jim Klein experienced something similar during the creation of a recent painting “CuO”.

 

Q: What is the significance of the title “CuO”?
Jim: CuO is the scientific formula for Copper Oxide. The name was inspired by the metallic nature of the finished piece.

 

Q: Did you start painting with the intention to use metallic paints?
Jim: No, I was not planning on creating a metallic abstract painting that day. The paints seemed to speak to me at the time; the paint will sometimes choose and then it’s no longer up to me.

 

I remember there was a group of paints in my studio being especially vocal: a bronze, copper, and silver palette that just came together wonderfully. You will notice a little splash of white was added but overall that bronze/copper palette was the theme of the day and I followed along.

 

Q: Will we see more mineral or metal inspired paintings, perhaps as a series in the future?
Jim: That’s hard to say as it just depends what happens. If I step up to the canvas and my large collection of paints decide it’s another metal-inspired day, then yes. It’s simply up to them some days. I have even gotten the urge and inspiration to begin painting when I was doing the dishes, of all things. So you never know when anything could materialize.

 

“CuO” is available for purchase! Click here.

To find the perfect piece of abstract artwork for your home or office, visit the Online Gallery here.

2022-07-26T06:03:14-06:00 2017-07-18, 9:21 am|Art|