Danny Bess
The Past in Motion
This series is an ongoing theme in my paintings, representing time and how people move in and out of our lives.
Each portrait is meant to capture a specific place in time and create a memory for that moment, as if creating a time capsule of that individual from my perspective. However, the pieces are also meant to exhibit motion, movement, and expression. I frantically make marks with my charcoal and paintbrush, usually while making music in my mind. Sometimes I vocalize the notes as I paint and sing aloud as a I work. I use larger canvas, either 48"x30" or 48"x36", I like the active participation in painting larger. I must use my whole body working this way since making art is like a full mind and body experience.
The pieces give me a peak into the model's personality, their character and way to remember them.
I am left to ask myself; how well do I truly know this person when they flutter in and out of my life? People come and go, life moves amazingly fast, I work myself to death and the people in these paintings are the people I hope I made at least a fleeting connection with.
My answer is always the same. I would rather make a painting of the person I respect and enjoy, than to forget them.