Love Notes
|
Opening Reception September 30th, 2023 4pm-6pm Show runs from - September 30th, 2023 - November 25th, 2023 |
(Click above image for press kit)
|
Artist - Spencer Beals
Statement
My work has always had little stories taking place in the details, so I wanted to push myself to expand these stories into a full picture book. All the larger pieces in this show will be included in my book ‘Love Notes’ when it's published. I created this work over the last 15 months since graduating from MICA in between pet portraits and other commissioned work. Making this book in chronological scenes as opposed to piled into one piece has required a new set of skills, challenging me to grow as a storyteller.
The smaller pieces included in the show were all created ‘plein air’, meaning they were painted outside inspired by the landscape they were created in. They overlap subject matter with the book such as roots, fluid water surfaces, and pine trees. I thought of these smaller drawings as studies for the book, influencing the book and vice-versa.
All of this work has been inspired by my desire to develop as a naturalist and become better at plant, tree, and bird identification. I’ve taken classes with local ecologists on trees, and attended Earth Skills events to learn local ecology. All this research into the natural world is aimed towards bringing that same curiosity and exploration into my paintings. My goal is to see the wonder of nature intertwined with the magic of storytelling.
The smaller pieces included in the show were all created ‘plein air’, meaning they were painted outside inspired by the landscape they were created in. They overlap subject matter with the book such as roots, fluid water surfaces, and pine trees. I thought of these smaller drawings as studies for the book, influencing the book and vice-versa.
All of this work has been inspired by my desire to develop as a naturalist and become better at plant, tree, and bird identification. I’ve taken classes with local ecologists on trees, and attended Earth Skills events to learn local ecology. All this research into the natural world is aimed towards bringing that same curiosity and exploration into my paintings. My goal is to see the wonder of nature intertwined with the magic of storytelling.
Biography
|
Spencer Beals is best known for colorful imaginative drawings which encourage viewers to get lost in the detailed worlds he creates. Spencer graduated from MICA in 2022 with a major in General Fine Arts and a minor in Sustainability. This has led to an intersection between outdoor education and art which can be found in his intricate portraits of the natural world using colored pencils, markers, watercolors and pens. Spencer is actively involved in creating community by hosting a bi-monthly sketchbook club and outdoor nature journaling classes. Spencer currently lives full time in his van and works out of his art studio in the River Arts district of Asheville, NC.
|