In studio with Italian visitor (2007)

I really paint for myself although it’s always good when others like my work.  I approach painting as a critical researcher, exploring the processes of image making by experimenting with media, methods, and techniques within each method – mark making of all kinds.   Time is an important tool so that each mark becomes embedded and retained in the archeology of the piece. Although scraping, sanding, washing etc., may remove various surface layers I like to retain some of the history of the making process.
So paintings take many months to complete.

I’m interested in finding ways to transmit thoughts and emotion visually; incorporating text as an image/mark/symbol or sign.   Sustaining themes for me are the family, my own tranquility and the visual exploration of intellect/emotion.   Artists who influence my work include Cy Twombly (his distracted scribbled text), Howard Hodgkins (his unrestrained colour and marks) and the white stillness of Robert Ryman.

My work may be viewed at morgantanton-studio.com