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From Anne Lewis:
From jolly old St. Nick raising a goblet of red wine in celebration after a long night's work, to the joyful abandon of boys splashing in the ocean, to the confident dignity of an African-American woman sitting in the back row of a church, John Osler exhibits a masterful understanding of color and light and equally important, a magical ability to translate passion, joy, grief, resignation and dignity to canvas. What I find so remarkable is how Osler reveals his subjects' inner lives. The individuals who inhabit his paintings frequently have been caught unaware, in a moment of quiet reflection.. Yet Osler finds in their repose his subjects' innermost thoughts: their turmoil and resignation, their pain and peace. In a painting that hangs in our dining room, Osler offers a glimpse into his grandfather's heart in the aftermath of his daughter's death. The grandfather strides forward and his next step may very well take him out of the painting. His movement captures his determination to carry on with his responsibilities in this world. Yet even as he moves forward with determination, his mouth tells a story of loss and grief. When I look at this painting I am transported into this man's inner life: will he laugh again?

From The Artist:
I paint on canvas and wood with oils using color and value. I paint from my experiences and my observations and when they emerge on the canvas I often pause and spend time with a new friend. This is when I am most alive. Painting has brought great joy and awareness to my life. It has allowed me to travel and to meet extraordinary people. I have met people who were often of modest means and fragile futures yet they were optimistic, loving and free with their friendship. They revealed themselves during pauses in conversation when they were having private thoughts. I have tried to capture their unconscious pain ,joy, and tenderness. I hope I have given these quiet often fleeting moments the dignity they deserve. I do hope you share my feelings for these subjects and places.

John Osler's Archives

Sunday, July 27, 2008

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