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Artist Statement
Drawing and painting has always been at the center of my life. The creative process gives me great satisfaction. Seeing images of people gradually come to life on paper or canvas, as I create them, is very satisfying and fulfilling. When a viewer expresses a connection to my work the reward is even greater.
While growing up in New York, I had the opportunity to enjoy great art at many venues. I was inspired by many artists and was fascinated by the illustrations published in, and on covers of books and magazines. As a youth I read many of the illustrated classics like Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and Huckleberry Finn. My greatest joy in reading was in seeing the illustrations by N.C. Wyeth, Norman Rockwell, and many others. Seeing their work made me aspire to become an illustrator, like them. I also enjoyed the work of fine artists, such as Aaron Douglas, Henry O. Tanner, Winslow Homer and John Singer Sargent. They inspired me to explore the world of fine art and develop my painting skills.
My current exhibition, “Sketches, Drawing and Paintings” is a prelude to a new series of paintings I am currently working on titled “Family and the African Connection.” My goal is to have this series completed late in 2008. Meanwhile, this exhibition gives me the opportunity to share some of the drawings and paintings I have done over the past thirty years. Included are selected preliminary sketches and drawings, some of which were the basis for finished paintings, and others that were warm up drawings and experimental expressions.
I was encouraged to put these works on exhibition, not only to sell them, but to open up and share my inner creative process with people who have collected my paintings over the years; and introduce myself to new people who have not had the opportunity so see my work yet. This exhibit allows me the opportunity to come out from behind my easel and re-introduce myself and my art. It is also a fitting tribute to my fortieth year as an established artist in Seattle.
Al Doggett |
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