What is really catchy about these works is the immense detail that goes into the creation of a piece, and the vibrancy, urgency it demands. What works best in this art, in my personal opinion, is not nature landscapes, but urbanism. Symmetry, industrialism, high-sheen surfaces, reflection, flow, light, rawness, strength of line are all the characteristics that really make p&h work. These are very modern pieces of work, and truly represent this era that we live in.
I have a few favorites:
1. Richard Estes: Master of p&h! As I said, nature landscaped don't work in this form, so even if Estes does them, I don't like them! Except for when he adds that urbanism in the nature landscapes. And with that, the strength of nature also comes out. But he knows how to do it properly!
2. Ralph Goings: If it's going to be a still life, it has to be done by Goings! It's not just in the technique, it all lies in the composition! (and his choice of objects is great too!)
3. Robert Standish: Talking about strong compositions, Standish's combination of urbanism and composition, in relation to the art form at hand, is delightfully sinful!
4. Ron Mueck: p&h goes beyond just paintings, Mueck brings it to life with his life-like sculptures! His giaganomous sculptures capture the mundane, but their ogre-like existence gives them a new life. You'd have to touch it to believe it that it's not real.
5. Alyssa Monks: I'm a sucker for materials like water and glass. Alyssa uses both with such strength, I was really amazed that these weren't photographs! Her composition and color palette is divine! I love it!
6. Eric Christensen: Since p&h is also a technique, which must take a lot of practice to master, this particular artist is not really a fave, but a special mention truly for his brilliance and mastery with which he handles glass and sunlight. He is a celebrated Wine Country artist, and completely self-taught. His technique would shy away photographers! Bravo!
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