laguna beach abstract artist

lawson

laguna beach abstract artist

When painting, I am not “Creator”. I am simply the space where creation shows up. I paint under the assumed name Lawson in an attempt to further remove ego from the equation.

To paraphrase Eckhart Tolle “All Creativity comes out of inner spaciousness.” Once the Creation has happened and something has come into form, I have to be vigilant so that the notion of me or mine does not arise. If I take credit for what I accomplish, the ego has returned, and the spaciousness has become obscured.

I am in love with the process of Creation, but sometimes I forget and attempt to produce a result for the observer. That is why the Art Gods created erasers and sandpaper!

Because my inspiration does not come out of my own devices, all of my work is one of a kind. The observer will not find a recognizable style.

My sole desire is that these expressions resonate with the soul of the observer and the piece becomes theirs to enjoy.

Laguna Beach Abstract Artist


galleries:

  • Forest & Ocean Gallery
  • The Cove Gallery - Laguna Beach
  • Paseo Originals - Oklahoma City
  • Gallery 104 - San Clemente
  • West End Gallery - San Clemente

exhibitions:

  • Art A Fair - Laguna Beach
  • White Horses Restaurant - San Clemente
  • Hotel 741 - Laguna Beach
  • Art Walk on the Bay - San Diego
  • El Niguel Country Club - Laguna Niguel
  • Little Italy Art Walk - San Diego

press

INSIDE THE ARTIST’S STUDIO/ Mixed Media Artist Lawson

Article by Nancy Roux – Art Critic

Throughout the ages, public figures have frequently chosen single-name identities to improve recognition and boost their fame. From the music industry came Cher, Sting and Bono. Sports gave us Pelé and The Refrigerator. And, for centuries, the world of fine art was defined by such greats as Rembrandt, Monet and Picasso.

Mixed Media Artist Lawson chose his mononym for an altogether different reason.

This tall, soft-spoken and extraordinarily talented artist does not consider himself to be “Creator” of his one-of-a-kind abstract works; he prefers to think of himself as “Facilitator”. He believes that creativity flows from inner spaciousness – a process that works best unencumbered. By assuming by a different name, Lawson explains, he minimizes any risk of the artist’s ego interfering with the natural creative process.

Lawson, an amateur artist since his high school days, began painting professionally about ten years ago. Although he has a day job, Lawson spends much of his available time working in the home-based studio he maintains in the San Clemente home he shares with wife Connie.

According to Lawson, he doesn’t plan out his paintings ahead of time. He may select materials that best express a particular idea or concept, but that’s where the planning stops and the creative process takes over. According to Lawson, experimenting is ”a fundamental part of [the] process… where Artist meets mad scientist“. He paints on cradled wood and aluminum (the kind made for signage), and frequently works on several pieces at a time. His latest body of work combines a mixed medium of acrylic, ink, collage, transfers with a three-dimensional assemblage structure of found objects.

Lawson applies a robust, high-gloss resin finish to many of his works. The process is labor intensive and “a little unnerving” – understandable, considering that the resin affords him only three to four minutes of work time before it solidifies. An error at this stage in the process can destroy the artwork. He first ensures that the artwork is completely level before mixing and pouring the resin. He works in a well-ventilated area and uses fans to redirect fumes and keep dust and debris off the artwork surface. When the pour is complete, he uses a heat gun to remove any bubbles in the resin – and then covers the piece to protect it while the resin cures.

All in all, Lawson considers his in-home studio to be adequately equipped to handle artwork production challenges, but he’s quick to admit that he’d really “rather be in a Paris loft.” Most artists will admit to having a favorite work; Lawson’s favorite is a three-dimensional, 48” x 48” diptych entitled, “Sticks and Stone” that currently resides in Aransas Pass, Texas. Although he admits that it’s hard to part with a favorite painting, Lawson likens it to having a litter of puppies: as much as he would like to keep them all, he knows that they have to find a good home!



Laguna Beach Abstract Artist

Want to see what one of my pieces would look like in your home or commercial space?

questions?

What should I do if I am interested in buying a painting?

My work may be seen in The Forest & Ocean Gallery – 480 Ocean Ave. www.forestoceangallery.com – Laguna Beach, CA, or The Cove Gallery – 1550 South Pacific Coast Hwy – Laguna Beach, CA. www.covegallerylaguna.com. If there are pieces you see there or on my website, I can arrange to bring them to your home so you can see them on your walls. Absolutely No Obligation. Contact me personally by email lawsonart7@gmail.com or call (949) 338-7063.

Are you available for commissions?

Yes I am, though it must be understood that each painting evolves through an intuitive process of responses and decisions. I can work with a broad idea and range of colors, but I need latitude to explore my ideas within those parameters. Specific size requirements are easy to accommodate.

What is the price range of your work?

My pieces are priced from $300 (for the smallest, 12” square paintings) to $3600-$8000 for my largest works. These prices are not set in stone. I have always held the belief that art is not just for the “Rich and Famous”, so if you see something that speaks to you and your budget does not reach the asking price, please let me know and I will see if we can reach an affordable price for you.

Can you ship a painting to me?

Yes. Shipping and packaging costs will be added to your purchase price. I aim to keep them low. If the painting is purchased through a gallery, they will make shipping arrangements.

What materials do you use in your paintings?

Most of the paintings on this site are all created on board panels cradled on back with 2” birch. The long narrow panels have been painted on hollow core interior door panels and were created to lean against a wall but are light enough to hang. All the multi-panel pieces have been sturdily mounted together with bolts so that they can be moved and hung as a unit. The paint is acrylic and frequently mixed with other mediums. Most of my work is finished with a polymer coating that lends depth and brilliance to the colors.

Is it hard to frame these paintings?

Most people do not feel the need to frame these paintings at all. The wood cradle that backs the panels creates a shallow box that makes the painting project out from the wall. Smaller paintings can be placed on tabletops or shelves as well as hung on the wall, due to this box-like construction. If you do wish to frame a painting, it’s perfectly possible; just consult any professional framer for ideas.

How long does it take you to make a painting?

I am asked this question a lot and it does not have an easy answer, because I sometimes work on multiple paintings and each one has its own demands. My best answer is that any painting takes a lifetime--of experience, observation and practice.

Please feel free to contact me with any other questions that you may have!

Let’s talk about your project, and how we can help you.

get in touch

If you are interested in seeing my work in person

My work may be seen in The Cove Gallery – 1550 South Pacific Coast Hwy – Laguna Beach, CA. www.covegallerylaguna.com. You may view my work there or I will bring pieces to your home so you can view them on your walls.

ABSOLUTELY NO OBLIGATION!

Contact me personally by email: lawsonart7@gmail.com or call: (949) 338-7063

Please take a look at my facebook page to see my most recent works, and for updates about any art shows I may be attending.