"Lifescape" - Rick Clarence, 2008

We were first introduced to Rick Clarence’s work when his wife and business partner Laray approached us to create a website to showcase his art.

Based in Austin, Texas, Rick works in acrylic and in mixed media collage combining acrylic, tempera, ink, pastel, and paper in various combinations.

I always enjoy reviewing the work of every new client we work with – each has their own unique style and vision. Rick’s art moved me in a way that I have only felt before with the work of icons like Georgia O’keeffe, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko. His paintings and collages have a life of their own.

We chose Rick as our featured artist for this week because his work reminds us of what it means to be a true artist – to adventure into the worlds of creativity and bring back experiences we can all feel, enjoy, and grow from. We hope you enjoy his work too and very much appreciate your comments at the end of this feature. If you would like to contact Rick his website and twitter details are included at the end of the article.

Featured Work

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Note: Use the slide-show controls to pause or go to a specific image. Mouse over the images to see details about the artwork.

Bio

Rick is a very private, family oriented man. He lives in South Central Austin, Texas where every day thinking out of the box is the norm. Using Texas as home-base, he has traveled much of the USA, Western Europe, the Caribean, Mexico and Central America. On each trip he has made new friends, enjoyed the art, fishing, and cuisine, and the sharing of the experience with family and extended family.

On these adventures Rick’s dreams are stimulated and a creative recharge takes place – and this is usually followed by prolific painting.

Rick has an American bulldog named Lulu Belle who accompanies him to the Pedernales River to run, kayak, fish, swim, hike, and to reflect on the life and death that surrounds the canyon lands. This is his refuge and main creative source.

Rich is also a master gardener, gourmet chef, and has a sense of humor much enjoyed by his family and friends!

Artist Statement

Marc Chagall stated that “Color is all. When color is right. Form is right. Color is everything. Color is vibration like music: everything is vibration.”

For the past years I have been working in my studio, creating a direct painting method using mixed media: acrylics, inks and collage paper assemblages. This method allows me to broaden my palette creating images of vibrant color for the observer.

The transition of edges is central to my work; breaking out of the static image into simultaneous compositions that transcribe reality by infusing surreal dream images and esoteric commentaries.

Some of the paintings have a simple composition; some are chaotic with multiple images. The simultaneous forms are apparent to each person depending on what emotions, beliefs and expectations the individual perceives. These images can appear to transform with changes in the light and may reveal themselves over time.

My art style is influenced by Contemporary, Abstract, Impressionism, Expressionism, Surrealism, Modern, Paintings, Collage and Mythical Fantasy Art.

The Art Marketing Secrets Signature 6 Questions

1. What led you to become an artist?

This is hard to answer because i have been an artist since childhood. My mother, Rose, was enthusiastic with each painting or drawing I did as a child. Being an artist may have saved my life during the Vietnam war: I was chosen to be a map maker rather than being sent to combat. The act of creating art has been an integral part of my family life and continues to be so.

2. What happens for you and what do you feel when you are in the creative process?

I can’t explain what causes the creative urge. Usually the process starts with a spark of thought that unfolds as I am working. It is unusual for me to have a preset plan. I try to be in a state of flow or oneness where shapes take on form. Most of the time I am unaware of what forms will appear and am frequently surprised.

3. What is your favorite piece of your own art and why?

For me the favorite piece of art is the one most recently completed.  Why? The painting that I’m working on or have just completed is still the focus of my attention and is the closest to me  at the moment.

4. What would your perfect artist-life look like?

First I don’t look for a perfect artist-life. It is the imperfections of life that add the color and cadence. The closest that I can imagine to a perfect artist life is to be in flow with the creative process and with a strong support from the art buying community.

5.How are you marketing your art?

For marketing I use my website (www.rickclarenceart.com), mail outs inviting collectors/galleries to view my website, gallery shows and twitter.

6.What else are you busting to tell the world?

If a painting is good it has a life. Art has value in peoples lives. Everyone is influenced by  art in their daily lives whether they are aware of it or not.

Contact Rick

Website: www.rickclarenceart.com

Twitter: rickclarenceart