Amsterdam Whitney Review "Serenade From a Star" Artist D. Loren Champlin

August 1 - August 26, 2008

"Artist Umberto Boccioni stated: "A portrait to be a work of art, neither must nor may resemble the sitter. . . one must paint its atmosphere." The works by Master Artist D. Loren Champlin are more than modest portraits - they capture agonizing heartache and profound beauty. The atmosphere that Boccioni speaks of is exactly what Mr. Champlin has painted. This is a portrait not just of the sitter, but also the energy and world around them. The raw emotions of the figure come through in the mesmerizing combination of color and line. He paints with bold strokes, confidently displaying the spinning environment with moves that are deft and sure. The swirling vortexes he constructs create amorphous backgrounds which are the perfect complement to the subjects of the foreground.

At their bases, the paintings rely on vivid colors and clean lines to evoke such turbulent emotions. The portraits depict people at an emotional peak - whether it is pain or pleasure - that transcends the borders of the canvas and draws the viewer in to share in the emotional anguish. Mr. Champlin's goal has been achieved, as the viewer not only sympathizes with those portrayed, but is able to see a little of themselves in the portrait. Mr. Champlin connects to the elemental human suffering that everyone carries with them.

Mr. Champlin's expressionist influences can be seen in both his direct use of stunning color and moving subject matter. The work of a strong expressionist painter such as Mr. Champlin projects its message without unnecessary fanfare. Capturing human suffering at its core, Mr. Champlin's work is at once poignant and heart-wrenching, and plays to a profound, common, human emotion.

Mr. Champlin currently lives in Maine with his wife and son. He has exhibited in New York, Washington, and Tennessee, as well as internationally. He has been painting professionally since 1992. He is a member of EBSQ and bas been featured in many juried shows." - Released by Ruthie Tucker, Amsterdam Whitney Gallery Aug, 2008


Buy Paintings Direct	Announcements/Blog	Reviews	home	Contact the Artist