Richard Keen

ARTIST STATEMENT 

An abstractionist, my work is known for use of color, line and geometry influenced by the Maine coast, where I live and work. My art begins from observation and experience. Nature, man-made objects and the spaces between them that often generate geometric shapes and patterns inspire me. I filter which elements of my observations and experiences to focus on by removing detail and injecting them with amplified colors. The process and the methods I use to paint vary widely. From scraping, wiping, brushing, and spraying to spreading the paint with palate knives and scrapers, in the form of metal, rubber and even old credit cards. I often balance the use of crisp lines and shapes (created by taping off areas) against visible aspects of brushwork and other mark making processes.