Artist of the Month December 2015

Tal Dvir

Chandler, AZ

While currently Painting contemporary impressionism, Tal Dvir is grounded in the classic approach inspired by the old masters like Velasquez, Murillo and El Greco and later by impressionists and expressionists such Pissaro, Degas, Schiele, Giacometti and other modern artists. Tal's work is a reflection of life and its surroundings, blended in self expression and imagination using new form of painting he recently developed - this form shows new approach which never been applied before. By limiting almost completely his technique to cross hatching brush strokes and palette knife applying thick layers of paint, Tal expresses figures and other subject matters influenced by impressionism, expressionism and contemporary art, as well inspired by the last century's New York modernists such Franz Kline, De Kooning, Philip Guston and others of their time.

How and when did you start creating art?

I'm drawing ever since I can remember myself in early age. My mother, who her own father was an artist painter, recognized my talent at a very early age and encouraged me to develop it by supporting my artistic inspiration and providing all sort of art materials. Professionally, I've started painting seriously in my early twenties.

What media and genres do you work in?

I'm consistently working with oil paints, also charcoal and pencil drawing. Although experienced it in the past, I recently started using newspapers as additions to my backgrounds textures. My subject matters are mostly figures but I also tend to flow out of the box with different themes that are at times, involve in everyday life situations mixed with imagination, through my search for new expressions and new artistic language.

Who or what are your influences?

My technique is not influenced by a direct painting style, although after act, I find some influences and inspiration from favorite artists as Alberto Giacometti, Paul Cèzanne and other impressionists and expressionists of their time. I see my work as a process of constant reinvention combined with different influences, mainly from the last century modern artists.

What was your inspiration for Man?

The painting titled "Man" is partially inspired by Alberto Giacometti long slimmed sculptors figures. Also, being one of the first works to be applied with my new approach of cross hatching strokes and palette knife application, I was inspired and committed to the challenge of creating deep contrasts and a sharp edge shapes in a frontal portrait.  

Describe your creative process?

To begin with, I'm totally committed in painting what inspires me unless commissioned. The ideas are usually constructed through observing at reference photos and sketches. Whether it's a painting from life or from my own reference photos, I'm always taking the time to study the future painted subjects, supported by quick drawings and also testing different colour swatches to match entire design.

Once few sketches of main idea have been implanted, I will then start painting general shapes to set the desired design. While working on a certain piece, I like to take frequent breaks and look back at paintings of artists that I find inspiring to my work. Most of my mediums to large size works are completed within month or two. After another month, most of my paintings are going through a final glazing layer, which typically enhance the colours hues.

What are you working on currently?

Currently I'm working on two large figure paintings to be submitted for an important local annual art show. Also, I'm working on a new series of paintings for galleries shows, coming up in 2016. 

What are your near/long term goals as an artist?

I'm always trying to stretch my artistic boundaries and to challenge myself with new ideas and techniques. Therefore, it is a constant goal to engage my art with new expressions within the painting field. Part of that is a plan to try again some clay sculpturing, which I haven't been doing for many years. Also, I'm excited to be working with several art galleries on new shows in plan for 2016.

Where can people view/purchase your work (gallery, website, etc)?