David Holmes
The city attracts me like a moth to a streetlight. Every street,
building, and billboard presents dramatic possibilities. The
subject fascinates me, and is the inspiration for much of my work.
When developing a new piece, I approach it as a writer might,
with the intent of creating a story to be “read” by the viewer. The
figures in the painting are like characters in a play. As I work
with them, I try to imagine each one as a fully developed person.
During the long painting process, I actually begin to think of them
as real people. As I create their miniature universe in paint, who
they are and what they feel is very important to me.
Urban landscapes have a raw, natural power. It seems appropriate
to render them as clearly as possible, in the painting style called
hyperrealism. Although demanding, the approach provides
exceptional control and detail. The final result is more like a
window than a painting, tempting the viewer to climb through it
into the world beyond.