In the month of July Saugatuck, MI’s The Timmel Collection and the Saugatuck Garden Center for the Arts will be featuring the original acrylic and mixed-media paintings of Jackson, Michigan artist Christopher Blank. A love of art has always been a part of Chris’ life. Talented artistic family members are found on both sides of his lineage, all of which have been an influence on him one way or another.
“I am partial to acrylic paint on canvas and the use of vibrant color. Most often I start with a standard brush and begin my first layer with colors which seem to choose themselves; as the layers begin the variety of tolls I use could be anything … a palette knife, a pencil, tissue paper, burlap, or even the opposite end of the paintbrush in hand; the enjoyment of developing mixed media projects is that I can use any medium the canvas tells me it needs.”
With that I create depth in each piece and do this with layers or a complete under-painting creating shadow and dimension. The challenge is to make it seem as though the medium is actually floating.”
Having traveled extensively, the world has opened up a world of bright color for Chris. The exposure to new styles has encourages growth and the opportunity to experiment in work not deemed ‘traditional’ or ‘safe’ while not placing his own style in jeopardy, but only broadening his creative process.
Exhibition will open Saturday, July 3rd at The Timmel Collection located at one 133 Main Street in the heart of historic Saugatuck. The Gallery is open from 10AM to 5PM daily. For more information contact the Gallery at 269 857 7274 or to see images of all works in the show by Chris go to www.thetimmelcollection.com .
