introduction
David Oleski. b.1961. Boston, Massachusetts; education: 1983, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Maryland Institute, College of Art, Baltimore, Maryland; currently living in West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA.
David Oleski has found a voice in his version of an intense scrutiny of the world around him. Following in the footsteps of the 19th century Impressionists, he began a deep exploration into increasingly fragmented views of simple still lifes. He captures a sense of rhythm and atmosphere with sophisticated colors, and thick and deliberate brushwork.
In addition to painting and exhibiting in many indoor and outdoor art events across the United States, David also has become involved in the administration of art events, creating the Amagansett Fine Arts Festival in The Hamptons in 2011. Since 2000 he has served on the board of directors of the Rittenhouse Square Fine Arts Association, helping to run the two prestigious Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show events in Philadelphia.
mission statement
Just when I think I've learned enough about green, a simple apple proves it can teach me just one more thing. There are so many directions that green can shift and change. I can think of cadmium yellow as being the yellow version of the effect of red, compared to lemon yellow being the yellow version of blue, and alizarin crimson has more of a blue effect of red, and allows cadmium yellow to become a complimentary color that darkens everything. Now white acts like blue, and immediately makes everything flash with a cool brightness, and yellow is now the color of light. Back and forth, around and around, there's no end to it.
Every day my studies include pondering these abstract color relationships, calculating every aspect of light, form, space and depth. I spend countless hours mixing colors and comparing them and referencing them against real life. It's always a surprise when I take a step back from the easel and realize that I've reached an adequate level of resolution and balance. The paintings I create are the by-product of these studies; when I've learned enough from one study, Ill scratch my name into the paint and move on. There's always more to learn on the next one.