Joe A. Oakes

“Each painting is an emotional response to color… real or imagined but always felt.” All of us, in varying degrees, have become blind to the colors of our world. The mind dictates the color of things without true observation. Giving those colors back to each of us through painting is my goal. Taking the time to see the least obvious colors in everything is the start. Then I make those colors bigger, bolder and brighter so they become the star. That is the spark needed to awaken our desire to know color better. As an artist, I strive to create an alternative version to what people think they see in nature. Although nature is a great inspiration, everyone has seen it. Therefore I want to create something unique by using color as the catalyst between what you think you know and see and what the world can be.