John F Metcalf's photostream

A Southern Calif. Native, John F. Metcalf is an abstract artist with over 20 years of experience creating fine art. Self-taught, Metcalf's art is an expression of joy and love for nature and life. His work can be found in collections throughout the United States and Internationally. Currently, John Metcalf lives with his wife in Austin, Texas, USA.


Artist Statement

I want people to have a pleasant physical reaction, be intellectually stimulated, and feel an emotional connection when viewing my work.

My art is based on the study of natural phenomena. I’m fascinated with nature and all its changing forms. I especially love studying things that other creatures make. I approach my work in the same way that a spider would spin a web, or a bird would build a nest. It is in the simple gesture coupled with repetition that I find the most interesting results.

As far as subject matter is concerned, I’m more interested in what the medium can do. How the colors dry and interact all have a part to play. I’m not interested in wild or big gestures, subtlety and suggestion speak louder to me.

When I paint, I like to work slowly. Working slow is actually a big part of my process. As each new color is added the painting goes through many changes, so taking breaks is also part of my process. Stepping away for short periods of time allows me to make observations with fresh eyes in the moment. Each color is painstakingly/lovingly chosen by how it will effect the previous and future direction of the form, contrast and overall emotion of the work. The combinations are limitless. It is only after working on a piece for some time that it starts to take shape. It’s the contrast of a scientific yet intuitive process with the thrill of a high-wire balancing act that’s appealing to me. Everything is up in the air until the finishing touch. There is an intimacy in observing how the work achieves its final form. In some ways, I see the act itself as the image.



Current Exhibitions:

Trudy's (Burnet Rd.), Austin, Texas, Group Show

ATown Boutique, Austin, Texas, Group Show

Trudy's (LTL), Austin, Texas, Group Show

OPM Den Art Boutique, Austin, Texas, Group Show




My music: www.soundcloud.com/ProfaneAnythingBand





www.zazzle.com/johnfmetcalf*

My Etsy Shop www.etsy.com/people/JohnMetcalf