In any painting I make my first concern is color impact including black on white. The paintings of other artists that have stopped me in my tracks have done so through the juxtaposition of the colors the artist chose. I like a simplicity of composition which I feel is more accessible to the viewer and more powerful and direct. I like to mix somewhat realistic imagery with abstract or symbolist imagery even in the same painting.
The painters who have inspired me the most are Rothko, Kandinsky, Klee, Miro, the Fauves and Gaugin. The playfulness of Klee in particular broke down walls for me and gave me permission to be more inventive and imaginative.
E. N. Beers
February 1, 2010