In color field art, the integration of shapes through overlapping or interpenetrations blur spacial distinctions so there is almost no sense of the image versus the background. George Chaplin's paintings, abstract and based in color studies, bring a visionary freshness to color theory. More amorphous than geometric, Chaplin's areas of color create tension by overlapping and interacting amongst themselves. His shapes seem to both emerge and submerge into the surrounding colors.
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| Now For Red |
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| Expansive Red |
Chaplin studied color theory with world renown Modern artist Josef Albers (a student at the Bauhaus in Germany) at Yale University of the Arts, earning both BFA and MFA degrees. He is Chair Emeritus of the Fine Arts Dept. at Trinity College in Hartford, CT.
Often referred to as "nature's transcendent painter," Chaplin draws inspiration from nature, as well as music. The ocean is a particular source of his creativity. Chaplin states, "It's a mesmerizing experience. You look at the ocean, it's constantly moving. It's always the same but it's constantly changing."
The same can be said of his paintings---there is movement as the colors blend into one another, creating the illusion that they are vibrating off of the canvas.
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| Bluuueeee |
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| And Then |
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| Aoi To |
Chaplin is expert in selecting color combinations that never overpower each other---they simultaneously create a sense of calmness and excitement in his compositions. Art critic Shirley Gonzales wrote "Although he runs through the spectrum of what we usually think of as warm and cool colors, none of Chaplin's colors are really cool....The color fills the room, vibrates, and seems to fluctuate as if moved by currents of air".
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| Quiet Chord |
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| Study for Green |
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| Oh Yes |
Says Chaplin: "I see color as light and atmosphere, and celebrate it for its emotional impact and beauty. The changeable nature of color, both intrinsically and from external conditions, fascinates me and I am particularly involved in how it can appear to alternately expand and contract."
For more of Chaplin's luminescent, incandescent work, watch this short film by Dore Hammond:
http://vimeo.com/33357348
http://vimeo.com/33357348
