Chris Pontello

This series of drawings shows my teeter totter between representational figurative work and non objective. I forced using certain subjects in the beginning that did not truly convey the aesthetic quality that I was striving for. I was inspired by illustrators who use crosshatching techniques with a variety of cool and warm pens to create an illusion on form and depth. Through extensive experimentation I realized that a back drop in this similar techniques had similar results.  This first piece shows the frailty of the process. Another factor to this series is the learning curve considering attempting to master any new medium. The images following are the most resolved and the ones after show the disambiguation of the transition from representational to non. 

This series of paintings chronicles a process of exploration with a new medium. I focused on compositional elements like value and hue contrast, texture, perspective, and the illusion of form. The predominate medium is spray paint, so I was able to utilize textured over-sprays to create gradients, transparent washes, and a speckled texture that can create optical mixing. This optical mixing adds a dulling affect which makes the illusion of depth through a since of atmospheric perspective. A majority of the element of line and motion in these paintings is created with gravity. By allowing nature to take the wheel I am becoming vulnerable to my medium and letting something unexpected happen. This also helps me avoid making aesthetic decisions with my ego and instead makes room for a mark made by an inkling of an emotional state.