Artist Arleen Joseph shares a collection of colorful, atmospheric abstract oil paintings. See more of her work by visiting her website.
“Blue Lagoon” oil, gold and cold wax on canvas, 36” x 36”
I majored in fashion design at the High School of Art & Design and then at Parsons School of New Design. Upon graduation, I embarked on my career path as a dress designer.
“Winter” oil, gold, silver and cold wax on canvas, 30” x 30”
After more than twenty-plus years working as the head designer for many major dress firms in New York City’s Garment Center, I eventually began to notice that the industry was changing. More clothing manufacturing was exported to overseas factories. There was less and less of a demand for hands-on creativity and design. I realized that now was the time to make a career change.
“Chart Your Path” oil, gold and cold wax on canvas, 24” x 24”
Once I decided to leave the world of fashion design, I found I needed to search for ways to continue my artistic expression.
“Possibilities” oil, gold and cold wax on paper, 12” x 12”
Oil painting became my passion! The transition was easy. I had been working all along with color, texture and pattern for most of my adult life. I found a way to apply those elements to the canvas.
“Misty” oil, silver and cold wax on canvas, 30” x 40”
I discovered my voice when I began painting atmospheric abstracted landscapes. They are visions of how my surroundings affect me; a way for me to bring illusion to my landscapes. Rather than paint what I see, I am continually drawn into the fluidity of expression—evoking a sense of place inspired by nature and the emotional impact of colors, form and light.
“FireFlies” oil, gold and cold wax on canvas, 36” x 36”
Mood and feelings are more important to me than literal reference to natural landscapes. I work spontaneously, concentrating on pattern and building layers of texture using richly applied colors of oil paint with cold wax medium, gold metallic paint and other various other mediums.
“Pondering” oil, gold and cold wax on canvas, 30” x 40”
Aside from paintbrushes, many of my supplies can be found in hardware stores. I enjoy the feeling of dragging and spreading the paint on the canvas. I often scrape away some areas and repaint others until I get the textures I’m looking to achieve.
“Roaming” oil, gold, silver and cold wax on canvas, 30” x 40”
In my process there’s an element of chance as I rotate my canvas around in various directions. I push the limits until a composition is found without any preconceived notion as to what the final results will be.
Artist Arleen Joseph
Perspectives are drawn from my own past experiences. My paintings are created from memories I have from my travels. My hope is to extend beyond the personal dialogue and provide viewers the opportunity for reflection and journey of their own.
“Monet Moments” oil, gold and cold wax on canvas, 30” x 24”
Collectors have often commented that my paintings remind them of Claude Monet, William Turner and Gerhard Richter’s work. All of them are my artistic heroes. My paintings can be seen in galleries and collections in Italy, France, Peru, Mexico, Hong Kong, Sweden, Australia, Canada and across the United States.
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Love your art.
My art is my response to the Mexican architecture in the Pre-Columbia town of Guanajuato, situated in the mountains north of Mexico City. But specifically to the Mexican Baroque architecture of the BASILICA de GUANAJUATO built in the 1600’s which is the basis of my paintings.