“Viewing the work at 18 inches, there is intensity, and 18 feet, serenity!”
~ Alison Haley Paul ~
TEXTURE
It is a known fact that photographs can’t come close to capturing the light, energy, or subtleness of an artwork, and that especially holds true of Alison Haley Paul’s paintings. Only the human eye can translate two of the most important aspects of Paul’s work: her masterful use of color nuance and enticing textures.
The scale and balance of Paul's paintings are subtle, intuitive and felt, rather than blatantly seen. The surface energy of each painting is bold and intriguing, while the structure is influenced by the classical principles of design and architecture.
Viewers witness the subtle visual changes when daylight dances across the surfaces of finished paintings, exposing numerous peaks and valleys, hidden colors, graphite, and charcoal, making Paul’s work unique in its use of texture.
TECHNIQUE
Working in sections, she mixes oil and cold wax, and uses a palette knife to apply the resulting color. "At this point in my career I do this almost without thinking, and 'the thought to canvas' process is a fluent translation." Her artistic critiques and comparisons of each area and the painting as a whole, are continuous and fluid.
"Using a palette knife feels like drawing to me, as I etch, scrape and apply the oil and wax mixture, then step back to analyze and layer more color to correct or change one area or another. As the painting dries, I draw on it with a pure graphite pencil to give additional depth and perspective, and yet another layer."
