Dec. 9, 2011 – Jan. 21, 2012

The recent show at Beta Pictoris features new work by the artist Clayton Colvin.  The artist has filled the space with paintings in various states of undress.  At first glance the paintings appear to be somewhat simplistic and minimalist in nature.  Upon further review one is struck by the complex lines and patterns that weave their way across the surface.  Colvin uses a strict economy of markings and staining that are subtle yet bold.

The current work is a departure from the glossy and color riddled paintings of the past.  Not that the previous work was inferior but one gets the sense that the artist is comfortable with his craft.  The work owes much to the act of drawing as it does painting.  Conte, charcoal, and pencil are evident throughout.  Paint is used sparingly at times.  Too often color detracts from a work.  Our emotional attachment to color and flesh, will at times,  blind us to the spirit of a painting.  The palette is bold but not overwhelming.

Although non-objective in nature, works like Midnight River(above) and Wrap Yourself in Destroyed Recordings(below) appear to indirectly reference landscape.  From a distance a work reminds me of an old Corot print.  After revisiting the gallery I got the feeling the artist is headed in an interesting direction.  In an earlier interview with the artist he stated, “I like to think of my work being seen over and over; lived with, and so having a long term sort of role in a viewer’s experience. “  I am eager to see what direction Clayton takes next.  The show runs thru the 21st of this month.