Artist's Magazine - USA (2020-05)

72 Artists Magazine May 2020

All these techniques and manipulations happen over large

canvases, often as long as 6 feet. The grand size allows the

artist to make big, bold, gestural brushstrokes. “The main

reason I work large is that I love abstract art,” he says. “After

all the work I do to the surface, parts of the still life look like

they’re made up of many, small abstract paintings. I think

the viewer gets two experiences: one looking at the still life

composition, the other up close and seeing all the details.”

For Balmer, a successful painting represents life but is

closer to abstraction than realism. “So many elements have

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to come together to make a work successful—color, composi-

tion, chaos, calm, texture—that some take weeks to solve;

others work out in a few hours,” he says. “When I’m inspired

and focused but not too controlling, I get the best results.”

Amy Leibrock is a Cincinnati-based freelance writer and

content manager.

Mediterranean Midday

oil on wood panel, 48x48