A Life in Abstract Expressionism

I am definitely an abstract expressionist: for me my paintings are a true reflection of my inner self. While living in Brazil in the 70s, I worked with a local artist Helio Rolo. He said I painted like Chaim Soutine. Soutine (1893-1943) was an abstract expressionist artist who had a “savage style” with intense forms. At that time I was painting Brazilian figures with thick, bright oil paint. Like Soutine, my strokes were rapid and energetic.

Abstract Expressionist Beginnings

While obtaining my Studio Arts degree from UM, I studied the "abstract expressionists”, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Willem de Kooning, Franz Klein, Hans Hoffman and Clifford Still, just to name a few. I was greatly influenced by these great abstract artists. In my early career I stood in awe of these great artists and have been chasing them ever since. My expressionist paintings provide a glimpse of that journey and the self that I enjoy.

Abstract Expressionism Defined

Abstract Expressionism is expressing one's self through art in the abstract form. When I am painting in the expressionists style, I feel as if I am losing control, and that feeling spills over and onto the canvas. This type of painting is created with a lot of movement. Colors are blended or run together. These works are usually painted very fast and then studied. If the pieces do not “work”, they are stripped down and the process starts again.

Expressions of the Self

For me, abstract expressionist painting is my "inner scream" that needs to be put into form. Sometimes, I make sketches prior to painting the piece. The sketches are a way to put on paper the idea forming in my head. More often, these ideas brew in my mind for days or weeks and then are transformed directly to the canvas. One painting leads to another. Often, I am unable to complete the statement in the first painting which is why it must be continued in the next. I agree with one of my mentors, that a minimum of 20 paintings on the same subject are necessary to get closer to the truth of the statement. Each painting is a statement, and each series is a way to complete what I am attempting to say.

We enjoy living with art, and hope to share the joy and depth of Judy's artwork with you. We welcome you to visit the JHC Studio if at all possible, since there truly is no substitute for experiencing these paintings in person, however, we realize that not everyone can. Feel free to contact us with any questions or comments, request a catalog of paintings on CD, or download her abstract art screensavers.