Think You Know Jim Warren’s Art? Think Again
Artist Jim Warren is not afraid to challenge himself, whether experimenting with new styles or pushing the limits of Neo-Surrealism.
From painting horses for an album cover for Bob Seger to exploring a new abstract style, Warren’s art continually evolves while remaining true to his visual language.
View Warren’s online Park West Gallery collection, “The Painted Worlds of Jim Warren,” to discover an array works that depart from the artist’s iconic depictions of whimsical animals and celestial stairways.
Seas of Living Color
“Seas of Living Color” (2016), Jim Warren
Much of Warren’s oeuvre is steeped in surrealism, portraying dreamlike, illogical and fantastical scenes with realistic details. In “Seas of Living Color,” Warren forgoes his traditional style to create his first abstract painting.
Not only does he employ expressive brushstrokes, he chose to use a black background instead of his standard white or purple backgrounds.
Despite its diversions, “Seas of Living Color” is undeniably a work by Warren. Upon closer study of the artwork, viewers can spot horses, crashing waves, mermaid tails and even a koi fish emerging from the vibrant swathes of paint.
“It’s hard for me to go 100-percent abstract,” Warren says. “People want to know why I put a koi fish in there, and it’s because that’s where the paint went.”
Come Together
“Come Together” (2016), Jim Warren
Warren often makes statements promoting world peace or environmental conservation in his art. “Come Together” is an example of Warren’s activism in his new style. The genesis for this abstract style was his son, Arte, who suggested Warren try leaving his brush strokes visible instead of hiding them.
“I finally tried and loved it, and I use it in half of my paintings now,” Warren says.
Warren says the title for “Come Together” is taken from the Beatles song of the same name.
Lifted By Love
“Lifted by Love” (2016), Jim Warren
Many of Warren’s paintings contain a rainbow of brilliant colors, but every once in a while Warren strays from his bright palette to create a monochrome work like “Lifted By Love.”
“I sometimes use the almost black and white when I am featuring something of importance like a red balloon to make it stand out, or maybe a rainbow,” Warren says.
In the case of “Lifted by Love,” Warren explains his painting explores how the emotions of love lift a person, but these feelings are fleeting and delicate.
To collect the unique works from “The Painted Worlds of Jim Warren” and other works by Warren, contact our gallery consultants at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com.
