WHAT COLLECTORS, COLLEAGUES, AND STUDENTS SAY ABOUT JILL SOUKUP’S WORK
Looking at one of Jill Soukup’s paintings, we can focus on a single brushstroke – or even a combination of several brushstrokes. Each one is a powerful work of art. These ‘building blocks’ become recognizable objects – a horse or a building for example. Soukup’s creative synthesis of abstraction and realism surpasses artistic breakthroughs such as ‘Impressionism’ or ‘Cubism’ to offer the viewer something new, Jill’s unique signature style. - Catherine Saks
The following is an excerpt from a four part interview with Jill Soukup written by Rosemary Carstens exclusively for Saks Galleries Cherry Creek - Denver, Colorado. The series will cover Jill's thoughts on subject matter, style and color, process and motivation. We invite you to forward questions to us at info@saksgalleries.com or join our blog page.
JILL SOUKUP ON STYLE AND COLOR
Q: Your singular style sets your work apart. You’ve been called a contemporary realist, but that seems an insufficient description. How would you categorize yourself as an artist?
A: I think it would be more accurate to describe my work as Realism tempered by Expressionism. My goal is to create a more abstract notion of each subject and rely more on concepts of color theory than the true-to-life colors present in a scene.
Q: When it comes to color, your work is remarkably individualistic. Would you say it’s a hallmark of your style?
A: Early in my career, color was a nagging frustration, but it has turned into a passionate obsession. I’m very interested in color theory, especially color chords—those combinations of colors that work together harmoniously—and I make conscious choices throughout each painting to achieve that. Each color note contributes to the symphony of the whole. The writings of Johannes Itten, the Swiss expressionist associated with the Bauhaus school have been a big influence on me. I might juxtapose complimentary colors, for example, to achieve a bold, striking note. Or, I might choose analogous colors accented by a third for another distinct effect. As a painting progresses, color has an important impact on its overall mood, its emotional impact.
<< for more information on Jill Soukup use this quick link to Saks Galleries.
Saks Galleries Cherry Creek 3019 East Second Avenue Denver, Colorado 80206
303.333.4144
Jill Soukup "Horses and Other Thoughts" January 13 - February 4, 2012
Demonstrations January 14 and February 4, 2012 - 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
All art is available prior to the opening night gala
Rosemary Carstens writes for several national arts magazines and publishes an award-winning online magazine, FEAST, about books, art, food, film, and travel. She is the author of two books with a third presently being researched. For more information: http://www.CarstensCommunications.com and http://www.FEASTofBooks.com.
