Steven D Saris

My goal is to explore the drama of Caravaggio, the traditions of the Byzantine icon, the legends of ancient Europe, and contemporary color. I am particularly interested in the lighting and drama of the oil paintings of Caravaggio. I find the other-worldliness of the Byzantine icon fascinating. There is a vibrant energy in the contemporary art scene. These works strive to learn more about the epic figures of history and the charm of children. Painting the figure has held my passion for over a decade now.

Those who are familiar with my early works will be shocked to see that I have switched from solely the decapitated nude to include the precious toddler and still life. Previously, I had tried to detach any emotion from the dying or wounded figure. The most recent figures just ooze charm whether it’s the young batter waiting for just the right pitch or the grinning child overfed with chocolate ice cream. I have also ventured into the larger than life still life.

I have studied oil painting for almost 15 years. I have had the privilege to attend the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia and receive a certificate in 2002. I have studied in New York City at the Art Students’ League with Nelson Shanks. I have also studied in the studios of John Angel in Florence, Italy, Brandon Soloff in Chelsea, NYC, and Stan Bielen in Philadelphia. I work in studios in Ardmore, PA and Villiers-Charlemegne in France. I was represented by a gallery in Trenton, NJ from 2001 until 2006. I have works in a number of private collections. In October 2010, I participated in a museum exhibition of contemporary artists at the Andrews Art Museum, Andrews, North Carolina.

My primary interest is the figure conceived in the contemporary style of the Post-Modern Era. I prefer to paint from life but I rarely use a live model in my paintings. I use photographs primarily. A knowledge of history and the context of events will enhance the images I paint but not necessary to appreciate the structure of the work. From a technical point of view, I am still primarily interested in color, light and composition. The interplay of prismatic colors and earthy flesh tones or monochrome chiaroscuro continues to be the main attraction in these works. Light adds form and drama to the image. The composition varies from static symmetry to fluid movement to dynamic asymmetry. The large size and simplified space reflect my Modern sensibility. I have removed space, reference objects, and landscape in order that the observer is able to add whatever details seem necessary or appropriate. Most images are much larger than life size. All of the paintings are in oils but they may be on canvas, masonite or paper.

The works incorporate studies of the icon structure, Baroque dramatic lighting, and the contemporary use of flat colors. My goal is to paint images that will still have significance for many centuries. If my paintings mean something to viewers for many generations to come and if others continue to see something of value in my work, then, I will have achieved my task. I believe life, light, and discovery are concepts that will continue to intrigue viewers forever. The development of form, the use of color and composition are integral to the aesthetic of fine art. Therefore, it is my desire that the use and the development of these elements in my work will continue to keep my works valuable, interesting, and stimulating for centuries after I have ceased to paint.

Steven D. Saris