I began painting in 1988. I started with watercolors, moved my way to oils and have now settled into acrylic's. I am a self-taught artist whose focus lies heavily on abstract art.
A number of my many influences include: Jim Dine, Ellsworth Kelly, Helen Frankenthaler, Richard Diebenkorn, Roy Lichtenstein, Friedel Dzubas, and Maggi Brown...
I have been working with acrylic paints since 1998 and have been able to discover new properties in the paints and new types of acrylic paints along the way. My newest paintings are incorporating metallic acrylics, interference, iridescent and opalescent acrylics, these paints are bright, brilliant and incredibly reflective. It allows me to create a canvas that will glow in the sun, reflect in the shade and stand up and shine when indirect light is used.
When I paint I do have an idea or image in mind be it a person, a place or thing, it doesn't matter, that is what I am painting. However, I will never name my paintings anything more than their number in that particular series of paintings. I do not want to put the viewer into the position of having to see a tree, landscape, or ocean scene because that is what I saw when I did the painting. I want the viewer to see whatever they see whether it is what I had in mind or not.
Honestly I feel I am in the wrong place and time, if I would have had my way I would be painting and expressing my art in the late 1950's and 60's. I feel that is where my art gets it's life from. Painting during the New York scene of those years.. I would have been in my glory.
I exhibit my art through out the Boston area in galleries, restaurants, and in the yearly "South End Studios Tour".
I welcome you to my website, if there are any questions, comments, or if you are interested in any of the works select "Contact" on any page to send an email and let me know.
al shapiro