Saturday, January 12, 2013

2013 Artists Series Featuring Derrick Breidenthal

Introducing Artist Derrick Breidenthal. Derrick has been creating  fine art for over twenty five years. His work has been showcased throughout the US. Please enjoy our conversation below!

Discharge

 
1) Derrick, when did you first realize that you wanted to paint and create art?

Drawing and painting started young for me. I was diagnosed with Dyslexia around 3rd grade and was encouraged to explore visual activities as one means of learning. Art was a natural mechanism to engage my brain. So it became a consistent part of my schedule. It helped relieve the stresses of things like math and English that I needed to engage in productively. As I grew older art was always an anchor for me and helped me break learning down into manageable steps. I guess I have stuck with it for so long because I like process, and it was one of the earliest things in my life that created structure for me. Which to me is all artistic process is...creating a system that makes sense to the individual artist. Regardless of any commercial success art has always helped me navigate the rest of the responsibilities of life.

CRP
Outlook
 2) The works of your art that I have seen have a very ethereal and atmospheric feel to them. Where does your inspiration come from?

Color is a driving force in most of my work. Specifically the combinations of a few colors and the emotional statement this creates. Combine that with a life of being in more rural locations and always wanting to be outside you can see how my work is a reflection of this. The work consistently works back and forth from these two hero's. Sometimes my love for color overtakes any direct desire to reflect a landscape, a place, or a subject. Other times the atmospheric quality of the work - for instance trying to capture a particular experience I had - drives the entire painting and color is used strictly to emphasize this experience.
Getting Even

Flush
 3) I understand you paint Alla Prima. Would you tell our readers about that term and genre of painting?


There are a few general methods in painting with lots of in betweens. One is a indirect method composed of multi layered, many times glazed surfaces, and can lend itself to realism. 
The other is a direct method (alla prima) that is generally expressive brushwork and a desire to see the painterly marks within the piece. I tend to work in a direct method. Mostly I try to paint the entire work without removing or painting over any marks I have made. Or at the least I want the full history of the material to be seen even if it goes through a stage of material removal. I don't sketch the compositions on the surface, then fold in my shadows, mid tones and highlights in a staggered manner. 
The composition, the color, the light, shadow, and textures are all dealt with at once. If it doesn't work then I typically remove all the paint and start over. Realizing the main statement of the work in one moment is the overall goal for me. This technique has always been a foundation in much of my work, although recently I have been creating a different body of work that explores different techniques.
Spry Slope





Total Madness


4) Who are some artists or mentors that have motivated you?



I love to stay in touch with local artist as much as I can. There is so much great work being done in this town right now that it makes it an easy place to be motivated. I move around a lot in the periods of art I look at. I enjoy looking at Goya's work. 
I also like the early 1900's landscape work that began to limit color palettes and hinting at the subject matter, rather then painting every last detail. For obvious reasons. Contemporary work I have always followed include Gerhard Richter and Lucian Freud among many.





The Leftover

Lower Down


5) Derrick, where is your art shown and do you have any exhibits or special projects coming up?

I show in Kansas City at the Leopold Gallery. I'm scheduling a Spring show right now but have not finalized the date. I have other great gallery support in various cities that can be found on my site, BreidenthalArt. My schedule for shows and new work can be followed on my site. 



Phuket
6) I understand your art is included in many prominent collections around the world.

Local companies such as H&R Block, Shook, Hardy & Bacon, KU Medical Center, Saint Lukes Medical as well as Kansas State University have work in their collection. Cafe Europa purchased a large grouping of paintings and is a great place to have dinner and see some work as well. A complete listing is on my site. 
Spring Flush

7) Derrick, how should those interested in your art contact you or view your works of art?


Leopold Gallery is a great place to start in Kansas City. Or Anyone can contact me via my web site, Breidenthal Art. My studio is open by appointment as well. I'm open for First Fridays here and there, but I have an amazing new son that gets most of my time on the weekends now.
Derrick in his Studio
 
8) A new son is such a blessing and miracle! Finally, what words of wisdom do you have for an artist of any age?


That's a hard one. If you want to paint professionally only do it if its absolutely the only thing you can see yourself doing. Its an incredibly difficult business. That said do it as much as possible, don't compare yourself to other artist or try to mimic their work. Try to find your own technique and material that will emphasize, not restrict your ideas. The only thing you have going for you is your perspective and how you choose to reflect this in the work.
Derrick's Studio where all of his amazing creative art projects take form!
 Derrick, Thank you so much for being 1st in The 2013 Artists Series. It is an honor to have you. Dear Readers, if any of you have the opportunity to view Derrick's work in person you will be mesmerized! I cannot wait to have a work of Derrick's Art in my collection!
We will be very happy to hear your thoughts and comments!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Thank you so much for your friendship and support!


47 comments:

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Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid Sass said...

Karena-
Thank you so much for sharing the work and thoughts of this talented artist. I look forward to seeing more of Derrick's work!
Happy Saturday.
Teresa
xoxo

Woodside Park said...

I love, love the paintings! They would look so beautiful in our home and in my clients' homes. I can see them in any environment: traditional to transitional to modern! Off to check out Derrick's site.
Cheers from DC,
Loi
Tone on Tone

Karena said...

Loi they are truly mesmerizing!
xoxo
Karena
2013 Artists Series

Mary said...

Karen, Derrick's work is truly amazing! Thanks for sharing your interview of this incredible artist. I'm off to check out his site too.

The enchanted home said...

These are so amazing, when people say that art can move you this is the type of art that can do that. I especially love total madness and phuket. A very talented man.

Karen, sorry to hear about your surgery...boy you have been through a lot! I wish you a very speedy recovery and hope everything will go well:)

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

This is just like poetry. Communicating a thought via another VISUAL experience. FABULOUS STUDIO!

Happy evening my dear Karena! Anita

Pura Vida said...

very interesting work..so much talent in our world!

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

Beautiful work and loved the titles.
Congrats on a new son.

Great interview, Karen.

Fondly,
Glenda

DaniBP said...

Karena what a great interview and profile. Derrick is so talented, I love the use of colour and the evocative feel of these paintings. They are mesmerizing! I'm going to check out his site now.
xoDani

Sherry at The Rusty Pearl said...

Loved the work.. One of the titles I was like OH MY LOL .. but loved all the work so much . TALENTED >>>> thanks for sharing these : ) Have a blessed rest of the week................

Fashion-isha said...

Hi Karen,
I'm so sorry to hear you're going in for surgery. I hope everthing will be ok and I wish you only to be well! I always appreciate you stopping by and leaving your comments. Oh, and the artwork here is divine!
Feel better!
xo
Sharon

NanaDiana said...

Wow- Karena- He is an impressive artist. His paintings evoke powerful feelings about nature and the world around him. Amazing- xo Diana

Kerry Steele- Design du Monde said...

Wow! Some very moving pieces. I loved hearing about his process and direct style of painting.

M.A. the 2nd ~ Frances Russell said...

Happy New Year Karenna ... Derrick's work is stunning ... his style is quite unique. HOpe you are well and have a great year!
Frances
xxxxx

M.A. the 2nd ~ Frances Russell said...

Happy New Year Karenna ... Derrick's work is stunning ... his style is quite unique. HOpe you are well and have a great year!
Frances
xxxxx

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Segreto Secrets said...

Beautiful work! I love any type of clouds and his are so soft and beautiful!!

Leslie said...

Wonderful introduction to this talented artist. Beautiful pieces and they are definitely ethereal and atmospheric. Amazing color!

Hope you are feeling well today:)

xxleslie

My Notting Hill said...

His work is beautiful and engaging. I could imagine a lifetime of enjoyment from his work - you'd always see something in it. It was also very interesting to learn about alla prima.

paris parfait said...

Happy new year Karena! Hope 2013 brings you much joy and opportunity. Such a lovely art series!

carolyn bradford said...

Wow! His work is truly breathtaking! Thanks so much for the introduction…he is extremely talented! Hope you are doing ok and enjoying your Sunday!

Ricki Treleaven said...

Alla prima is not how I (usually) paint.....I paint many glazes over my paintings. Direct painting is much less forgiving, in my opinion. I can see how color is the driving force in Derrick's work. I love his paintings you've featured here.

Great post!

xo,
RJ

mary said...

Hi karena, Super interview. I loved seeing the paintings in the studio--they are wonderful in size. I love this artist!
Mary

Paisley Curtain said...

Beautiful work, very mystical, thanks introducing us to some wonderful artists.

NanaDiana said...

I can't seem to find your email addy but I just wanted to tell you that I will be praying for you and your surgery. When is it? xo Diana

Acanthus and Acorn said...

Karena,
This introduction was such a treat! I loved "Discharge" and "getting Even" really magical!

Happy New Year to you!!!
xo,
~R

Unknown said...

One of my favorite artists at Leopold. GREAT interview Karen. Keep up the wonderful work!

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

Beautiful, beautiful work...I love his use of color and you can just feel the emotion of each remarkable work of art...I love Phuket...
Great interview...
Hope you are feeling better Karena!

Unknown said...

Love seeing Artist studio's it's like a peak into the chocolate factory of Willi Wonka...lovely work.

K&B by the Sea said...

Wow, I love Derrick's artwork! As you mentioned, it has a very ethereal quality. There's a softness to the colours he uses and the way he combines them. I'm heading over to his web site right now to see more of his work. Thanks for the introduction to Derrick, Karena :-)

Sarah Greenman said...

"Find a technique that will emphasize and not restrict your ideas". I'm embroidering that on a pillow! Thank you for introducing me to Derrick's work!


P.S. Karen, I'm giving away an art print from my shop today and thought of you. XO http://www.maisonboheme.blogspot.com/2013/01/giveaway-original-art-print.html

traci zeller designs said...

WOW. His work is gorgeous!! Thank you so much for sharing with us!

xo,
Traci

CDS said...

What beautiful work. I love his brush stroke and the organic flow of the colors on the canvas. Very moving. Thank you for sharing!

Loretta Fontaine (EcoHappy Blog) said...

Karen- What a way to start the year - stunning paintings and a very thoughtful interview. There is such a gorgeous depth to the paintings.

Thank you for introducing this work to us!

Loretta

Katherines Corner said...

fantastic!!!!! xo

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Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Good morning Karena!

This always happens to me....I will wake up thinking about a particular BLOGGER FRIEND, and then I go to my comments page, and THERE THEY ARE! AND THERE YOU WERE this morning as I opened up my blog! I was thinking of you upon waking up, hoping you are well! How are you?????

I am not working on any paper items at the moment; I have given that up, as far as the SMALL ITEMS. They take up too much time for little pay and unless someone orders a larger work for their window, I am not doing it. I am working at the moment on drawing card ideas to keep my Etsy shop running and working as a substitute 3 days a week. I am not sure what 2013 is going to bring but for US, it has to bring in something monetarily fruitful. I can at least say I tried.

Thank you for asking! Anita

Renée Finberg said...

i am loving total madness at the moment.
i promise to call.
love you

Taylor Greenwalt said...

Beautiful work...hope your feeling better....

Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ said...

Derrick's work is beautiful Karena! I love the colors he uses. The paintings have such wonderful movement.

Diana Mieczan said...

WOW, those pieces are truly beautiful:) Have a lovely day, dear.

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