ARTIST'S BIO:
AJ LaGasse has worked as a free lance artist since 1984, most recently incorporating his talent as a web designer and multimedia graphics artist.
His works are proudly displayed in private collections throughout the world.
He currently divides his time creating original oil paintings for auction on eBay, and exclusively through his mirrored websites:
ARTIST'S GOAL:
"My goal as an artist is to capture the essence of beauty and wonder of this magnificent world in which we live.
Too often people forget that we are here 'on loan', and they forgo the 'small' joys and wonders of this life. I see so much to marvel at on a daily basis, especially natural beauty.
ARTIST'S STATEMENT:
When I paint, I'm not trying to just paint 'a pretty picture' - I try to capture what I think is so unique about the subject that it can elicit an emotional response. The result? Usually a 'pretty picture' that you feel good looking at. One that you don't get tired of looking at!
I am a voracious reader, and when it comes to the technical aspects of oil painting, I love learning from the great masters of the past, implementing their techniques, and then experimenting with my own. I'm never afraid to try something new - what you learn from one method can help you in another.
I enjoy seeing, for instance, the canvas come to life as I use layer upon layer of glazes for realistic portraits. And how each of those layers plays such an important part of the finished work.
But what patience is needed for such an endeavor! To wait several weeks for each layer to dry properly always seems like eternity! But I remind myself that, when properly executed, the painting should look as good, if not better, after decades (sometimes centuries!) as each layer's transparency increases.
Occasionally, I'll add a layer or two of thin color glazes to other types of paintings that ordinarily wouldn't call for it, just to add a little depth. It doesn't add as excessive a time element (the drying time) as a realistic portrait, but it's worth it.
So, you can see that creating art is not for the timid, since you need to constantly learn and explore new ways of expressing yourself. "
ARTIST'S INSPIRATIONS:
I'm inspired by life itself: the colors of nature, the beauty of the human form, animals, the sound, smell, and movement of the ocean, love... essentially, everything good in the world!
You can, therefore, expect to find bold, saturated colors in most of my paintings. I love using pure color, and enjoy the interplay of light and dark tones, as well as complementary colors. This visual aspect is only one of the human senses that I hope to excite in the art 'viewer'.
As you will notice, I also like creating textured surfaces with the paint itself. This is to appeal to the tactile sense. (I always wanted to touch those works of art in museums! Now you can, too!) (Touch your own work of art, that is)
I love the smell of wet oil paint! (Though this is more for me, since your painting will be dry to the touch and will have only a slight smell ;-). But the point is that another sense is being stimulated!
I also love creating a sense of movement in many of my paintings. Not a human sense, per se, but if you feel the motion that is intended in the painting, it's a beautiful thing!
Ultimately, I hope that you will share my vision, even if only to browse this website.
I would be honored, however, to have my art displayed in your home, or office!
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