Archway Gallery Exhibitions - 2022
January 8 - February 3, 2022
Public Spectacles
Featuring New Encaustic Paintings by Joel Anderson
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Joel Anderson takes us along on a walking tour of public spaces, parks, and gardens as he captures the many spectacles of beauty right in front of our eyes. Several images are from Houston’s Hermann Park. “It was the first nice weekend after the big freeze of 2021,” Anderson explains. “People were out enjoying some warmer weather and there were signs that the pandemic was abating, but this was against a backdrop of bare trees, severely pruned shrubs, and dead grass -- perfect conditions allowing me to add my own leaves and flowers into the scenes.”
Also serving as reference for several paintings is the Chicago Botanic Garden which Anderson explored during an art festival excursion in the area. “Being a koi pond owner, I’m fond of scenes of water lilies and Japanese stone lanterns,” Anderson continues. “Their bonsai trees were just amazing, each one a spectacle in itself.”
Encaustic painting -- beeswax mixed with damar resin -- was practiced by Greek artists as far back as the 5th century B.C.E. A mid-20th century revival, including works by Diego Rivera and Jasper Johns, brought encaustic painting back into prominence. Anderson’s creative process incorporates modern digital methods into this ancient medium. His style combines clear imagery with a slight abstraction and then a reassignment of color values. Implementing this with encaustic medium results in something a little different yet still familiar.
Also serving as reference for several paintings is the Chicago Botanic Garden which Anderson explored during an art festival excursion in the area. “Being a koi pond owner, I’m fond of scenes of water lilies and Japanese stone lanterns,” Anderson continues. “Their bonsai trees were just amazing, each one a spectacle in itself.”
Encaustic painting -- beeswax mixed with damar resin -- was practiced by Greek artists as far back as the 5th century B.C.E. A mid-20th century revival, including works by Diego Rivera and Jasper Johns, brought encaustic painting back into prominence. Anderson’s creative process incorporates modern digital methods into this ancient medium. His style combines clear imagery with a slight abstraction and then a reassignment of color values. Implementing this with encaustic medium results in something a little different yet still familiar.