Strange Beauty: Douglas Ferrin

Still Life with Gun oil on linen 14"x18" 2004

This gun and the battered ashtray, that goopy-looking oil painting medium and globs of paint, all resting on a paint-splattered table- who would have thought it all could make such a beautiful painting? The color is rich and true, the dynamic composition full of movement and the cropping is almost jarring. It takes a special kind of bravery to find beauty in a place most of us wouldn't think to look.

The characters in this little private scene have a secretive air, but the close night lamp brings them to our attention- almost as though a searchlight is beaming on suspects in a night alley. 

You can find out more about Douglas Ferrin by reading his interview, and by visiting his website.

If you would like to suggest an artist for the theme of unexpected beauty in art, please email your suggestion (not your own work please) with at least one image and a few words to describe why you like it. Be sure to include the title, medium, size and year.

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