The "Live Canvas" paintings are each made from a single continuous canvas surface wrinkled/stretched/wrapped/glued
to a wood frame. In these works, the canvas abandons its traditional role as a passive flat surface for the application of
pigment; it comes "alive" and boldly competes for status as a medium in its own right. The tension between order
and chaos is paramount. Early pieces, ca. 1969-70, used dyed gray canvas (see image at right). Pieces in the late 70's explored
thinner profiles and both plain and striped canvas. In 1986, "Live Canvas No. 14" introduced painted shapes to the
mix. "Live Canvas No. 15" resumes this exploration of surface where No. 14 left off.
Live Canvas No. 16: Her Majesty's Secret Surface
Live Canvas No.15: Surface Resumes at The Purple Onion (Don't Panic)
Live Canvas No. 14:
Easter Sunrise Surface
painting the nude figure in oil and pastel
All images on this site are copyright 1970, 1986, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 by John Vistaunet.
