MARSHAL

Marshal’s semi-figurative work is inspired by more than just the world around us; it is created by the influence of music as well. You can see in the loose application and texture of his work the feeling of classic rock and blues. Gritty passages, bold strokes of acrylic color, thick and thin passages of paint resemble the guitar work of some of his favorite players. His style of painting leaves the viewer with the impression that they have just heard a great three piece blues band live for the first time. Soviet Impressionism, Ilya Repin, John Singer Sargent and Huebert Shuptrine influence his vision but Eric Clapton, ZZ Top and B.B. King decide his application.

His subject matter doesn’t deal with cultural issues or the condition of humanity but instead is meant to leave the viewer and their emotions in a state of joy. He may paint an iconic celebrity or a landscape that seems so familiar without showing you why, or a still life that is more life than still. All these diverse subjects are held together with a common style that seems to suit each subject.

His style requires him to paint with absolute confidence and boldness that comes from painting hundreds of paintings. Nothing can replace time spent in front of the easel, constant study and working from life as often as possible.

Living in a small town has influenced his work as well, there is a slow comfort to him and his work. His paintings are not created from stress or rushed but rather enjoyed and allowed to develop at their own speed. He hopes the viewer feels that no matter how much time was spent in front of the painting it was time well spent and maybe the experience somehow helped to recharge them so they can return to the race track of their life a little more settled than when the painting first caught their eye.

Every artist wants to leave some sort of legacy with their work, to be remembered and influence future painters. Marshal wants people to remember his work caused them to stop and view even when they had pressing issues and their life is lived in fast forward, they stopped looked and felt.

GASTON REBRY