|
|
|
||
|
LEE HUTTON
|
|||
 |
L
ee Hutton’s passion for geometric possibilities has inspired him to place basic shapes in an artistic prism and explore them in multifarious variations. He takes the universal forms of circle and square and weaves them together into complex and beautiful works of abstract design. In most of his paintings, circles suggesting off-center bull’s-eyes dominate, supported by squares of color. The interrelatedness of both the structures and the color tones create complex designs which invite the eye to trace them, and take in the visual tapestry. At times the right angles seem to be imposing themselves on the circles, at other times the arc of the circle feels tucked into a corner. One’s gaze moves across the intricate arrangement of circles broken by diagonals or consigned into quadrants; we take in the fragments and begin to see how they are made whole again by sophisticated color schemes. Despite the variety of Hutton’s explorations, these works do not jar, but work together as a whole both visually and thematically.
Just as the geometric forms accentuate and complement each other in a precise manner, so too do Hutton’s choices of color provide an organizing theme. Hutton frequently posits a light blue with a strong presence of black, and if earthy browns and rusts are his prevailing theme, then these are frequently enhanced with gold and greens. He commonly applies his paint in a smooth manner which, along with the abstract and formal qualities of his work, suggests industrial design; other works, particularly those in which the entire circle fills a canvas, have a rougher, more painterly feel.
These are not mere intellectual studies in color and shape, however, as Hutton’s carefully laid-out designs contain drama in their visual presentation. At times suggesting iconic centerpieces with Native-American tones, or works investigating symmetry and its variations, Lee Hutton makes powerful use of whatever theme or composition he is exploring. His paintings are about the exuberance of the infinite possibilities of color woven together with pure shape.
|
||
|
|
 |
||