Tom Kegler

Artist's Statement
"The many hours and days spent interacting with my subjects have opened my eyes to subtleties such as intricate color and value shifts, and beauty in the overlooked. I strive to emphasize the important elements of my inspiration and simplify the surroundings. Essentially, I distill what is before me into the essence of the inspiration, as opposed to rote copying, or simply capturing the "impression" of the moment. I hope my work is able to share this experience with the viewer, while at the same time bringing an awareness and respect for God's creations and their temporal qualities.

My goal with these drawings and paintings has been to get to know my subject on an intimate level and bring this investigation to the viewer in the form of an evocative work of art. When I am studying a maple tree in the field for instance, I want my work to pay homage to that specific tree—not to all maples in general. I need to explore what made the tree grow into the shapes it has—the light, its surroundings, the weather, the soil, its environment. I try to investigate what I am seeing in order to "understand" what I am painting.

My work is a manifestation of my love of the outdoors and nature. Nature itself has been the most humbling instructor. The sounds, smells, and tactile qualities that I experience while in field cannot help but be infused in the work. I want my art to contain a universal quality that makes the viewer feel he has been there and can relate to the image."