'If I could say it in words there would be no reason to paint.' ~ Edward Hopper
Hopper's maxim sums up what I believe about painting, though of course that has never stopped me from trying to explain what I've painted or to attach a story to it. I came to painting late in life, believing I could never draw anything beyond a stick figure -- and it turns out that essentially I was right! I've found though that by using color and a basic idea of form, I could convey the beauty and mystery of the image that emerges as I apply paint to a surface.
I was trained as a chemist (PhD in organic chemistry) and worked and taught (ironically enough) in the fields of coatings (read paint) and adhesives. Interestingly this has given me some insight into the technical aspects of the painting process that allow me to do some things that probably aren't taught in art school. [If any artists out there are having problems with the mediums or surfaces they are using, I'd be glad to try to help.] I'm largely self-taught and work mostly in acrylics and oil pastel. I have been painting for 20+ years and have sold a number of works, but I'm fortunate enough to have been able to keep my day job.
Painting to me is endlessly fascinating and fulfilling. If I can share what I do with other people, so much the better, but I do what I do mainly for myself.
Thomas Santosusso joined Pixels.com Licensing on August 19th, 2019.
