Body of Work by Edward D. Braley III

Edward Braley III

In this body of work my goal was to focus on surface. As a painter it is really all you have. You look at a subject, anything, and even though it is complete and before you, it is impossible to view the entire thing at once for the majority of objects, front or back, inside and out but not everything. As an artist you attempt/struggle to take the three dimensional object and transfer it to a one dimensional surface (the canvass).

During this process we are then expected to make the subject to again appear three dimensional. The subject in these paintings is paper, creased, and lit. Really studying the surface enables you to see things you may not with a casual glance. A sheet of white paper has several colors depending on light and shadow. Either that or the eye strain of staring at a blank white page caused these visions.

Either way I am pleased with the result. Not only the beauty of this very simple subject but the lush shadows that engulf and define it. The negative space is just as strong and valuable as the main subject. The play of light and shadow made this a most pleasant struggle during the process. I hope it brings you pleasure in their viewing.

My name is Edward D. Braley III and after the passing of a good portion of my life I am finally confident enough to say proudly I Am an Artist and no longer care about other people’s opinions on the subject. I work mainly in oils but enjoy many mediums. I have, from a very young age had a great appreciation of art and have always been creative by nature. I do not limit myself to any single subject though landscape and the human figure are two subjects I enjoy very much. Both have great aesthetic appeal to me as well as bringing me great joy from all things natural and of the earth. My style as with all things is a continued and (very likely) constant work in progress. I think I may never fully choose a subject or style as for me this work is totally organic and I want to be free to follow the lead of whatever presents before me at any given time. I guess I choose fluidity as a way to avoid becoming labeled and stagnant. I want to become a great painter, not a landscape artist or one who does portraiture (though I enjoy both,) there is a great big world out there and I want to experience it all. When working I strive to be in the moment and connected to the subject as closely as possible. When painting Plein Aire I breathe deeply and feel the sun and wind and become mindful that in this moment and all of the previous moments of time, that I and all that is around me are ONE and forever shall be.