PAINTINGS

Chuck Olsen

Chuck Olsen
 
Chuck is a former San Jose native who now resides in the Salinas foothills.  The new location inspires much of his art. 
 
“Our foothills are often bathed in a glow quite beyond artistic capture. I remember well the Spring of 1968 while off the Monterey Coast aboard a Coast Guard cutter gawking at sun lit emerald coastal hills from a few miles at sea.  The seed was planted then to move from charcoal artwork to color.”
 
““In an attempt to capture the unique outdoor moods of the Monterey Peninsula, my art has moved from literal to the abstract, a style where emotion can have its say.  At times it seems the details of an image often detract from its essence, just like too many words can spoil a moment. When inspired by an image for painting, my first thought is ‘how can I abstract that into its core?’   For me, a successful painting session occurs after loose, gestural strokes capture the subject with a fresh view.””
 
Chuck has grown to love minimalist art where a painting’s limited color palette and simple line beg a longer look.  A degree of abstraction seems to invite and engage viewers.  This style is now applied to his portraiture and still life work as well.  Chuck works primarily in acrylic and oils.