Brian McClear challenges the viewer to look beyond the surface whether considering everyday objects or the people they meet. He paints to evoke — consideration, alarm and even laughter. In his portrait series Ink & Oil, McClear explores people that have chosen tattoos as their form of self-expression. Whether to commemorate a life event, to satisfy an impulse, to make a bold statement, or as a private talisman, the reasons for getting a tattoo are as varied as the people themselves. Each work seeks to capture a gesture and mood that provide additional insight into the subject’s personality beyond their art. Simply put, canvases of people who are themselves canvases. McClear’s still lifes engage and invite interpretation. Messages, puns and social commentary are tucked between seemingly unrelated objects. The objects are a vivid juxtaposition of hard/soft; warm/cold... triggering a multiplicity of reactions. Echoing the portraits, classical composition emerges. The familiar interact, embedded with social references and hidden smirks. Each piece layered —bold intuitive brushstrokes reward the viewer with fresh discovery. Trained at Columbus College of Art & Design, McClear’s career as a commercial artist is evident. Canvases speak to a classical foundation; freshly minted and contemporized. Prolific; the work has garnered praise in a rapid trajectory. His vivid canvases reside in an array of galleries, museums, and private collections, and have been exhibited extensively earning numerous awards; Salmagundi Club, AAPL, OPA, NOAPSWatch Brian at work