Inspired by the colors of New Mexico, Gary’s Color Plane Series boils the energy of landscapes down to their essential elements leaving the viewer the ability to interpret and imagine. Done on a square format with many layers of paint, pigment and mediums his pieces have a remarkable depth which makes them always interesting to look at. One of his “secrets” is listening to complicated music while painting. This not only inspires depth in imagery, it also evokes a kinetic experience. Like a fencer, his painting technique involves dancing, jiving, and jibing, with lots of physical energy. It is really pretty ridiculous. Toss in some diverse textures, unorthodox painting tools and a few carefully nuanced colors and voila!, you have what his collectors describe as: fresh, deep, peaceful, energetic, spiritual and magical. Unorthodox indeed, but those are some awesome words eh? As hokey as it sounds, Gary’s ultimate inspiration is to beautify the world, and thus brightening peoples’ lives.Artist Statement: The process of creating art reveals who we really are. I am an enigma: part meditative naturalist in love with New Mexico, and part high-energy enthusiast full of enthusiasm and vigor. This comes through in my paintings. I am in love with color and juxtaposition of color. Nobody taught me this stuff, it just is… me… expressed in oil. As cliché as it sounds, I have been an artist since day one. If you don’t believe me ask my mom! It is as though I see the world through a lens, constantly, I mean constantly, composing images in my mind. I often find myself putting my hands in front of my eyes to decide where I would crop that scene. Maybe I am a little strange, but I do this everywhere, from compositions on micro scale: the dust on a table or reflection of light on a water droplet, to the macro scale: the panoramic crop of an evening sky. Unfortunately, I did not take this “gift” seriously until I was in my 30’s. I guess I thought everyone was like me. I also thought it was an impossible way to make a living. So, I went practical and was, of all things, a geology major, in college! I followed that up with a master’s degree in psychology. I was a teacher, outdoor educator, counselor, fishing lure salesman, retailer, hotelier…. You could say I was a bit confused. When I finally figured out that I had a gift it was impossible not to pursue it. I could not deny that part of myself. So, with some prodding from those who love me, primarily my wife Kirsten, I launched my artistic self. I started my “artistic” career as a photographer in the 1990’s, finding great success telling stories with a camera as a wedding photojournalist when that form of photography was new and exciting. Eventually it took me to lots of exotic places photographing people who were either famous or if they weren’t famous wanted to look that way. While there was some artistic freedom, it was as you can imagine, stressful. My background in psychology came in handy. After many years living at the 100th of a second lifestyle, I decided to move to a slower form of art, turning my attention to painting full time. I moved to Santa Fe specifically to paint. Every day I see something supernatural, so it is a perfect place for someone who sees the world like me. Interestingly my major influences also spent time in New Mexico: Rothko, Martin, O’Keefe, Gaspard, and Jamie Chase. I was talking to a Native American friend of mine recently who was explaining the significance of his medicine wheel tattoo. For him each of the 4 spokes represents, among other things, the human conditions: physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual. His goal is to live with all of those conditions, near the “middle” of the wheel. Amidst our busy lives I hope my paintings help do the same for my collectors.