Francis Scorzelli

I use the power of color relationships to create unique, self-contained color worlds, and to achieve the grammar of art—completeness, appropriateness and unity—in two-dimensional work with a three-dimensional perspective quality.

My work seems unforced, and appears to have been executed instantaneously, but in actuality, I spend many laborious hours layering paint of vibrant color and then scraping to expose the multiple layers underneath, while retaining an intimate feeling and sense of space.

The paintings usually begin by applying slashing, impasto strokes on the canvas. Uncovered areas of the white canvas or paper give color and stroke accuracy and form. Occasionally the paint application becomes a multi-play of gestures without any clear expression of form. I keep the loose images very dense. In other areas I employ paint thinned to the point that it resembles a veil. Despite the delicacy that characterizes my style, clustered areas of impenetrably dense color anchor certain works. It is the tension between colors that will make a painting look three-dimensional.

The images in the recent paintings aren't specific enough for one to see a clearly defined form or place. However, forms are suggested, just not elaborated upon. Finally, I add sinuous lines and forms that, while appearing random, are consciously overlapped and composed without letting the images, become too defined.

I strive for a physical heaviness, seeking to eradicate the white canvas or paper. The challenge is to attain a composition that is both balanced and dense.