James Angell

Many times I have begun a painting with a specific image in mind. I am fairly certain of what the work will look like. If I am able to seize the impetus, my task is simply to coax that image out of the ether and fix it upon the canvas.

In reality however, it is only after I relinquish my precept that the true process of painting is set into motion. The image starts to come to life. It seemingly begins to accept or reject colors, lines and forms of its own volition. It will and does demand my attention.

In these new paintings for instance, an arbitrary shadow falling across an early version provided me with a critical element in the composition ...