Donald Wass, an American artist, found himself grounded in a more traditional art education at Hartford Art School. Trained in portrait, figure, and still life painting, Wass recognized the importance of this foundation but also sensed its limitations in a rapidly evolving artistic landscape. The era was marked by a clash of conventions and innovations.
After graduating, Wass embarked on a quest for artistic self-discovery, seeking a thematic approach that would allow him to delve deeply into a narrowing set of ideas. Concurrently, he pursued a career in art instruction across various levels, enriching his own practice while nurturing the next generation of artists. For Wass, painting was a relentless pursuit of order within chaos, a playful assembly of color, line, and shape into a harmonious composition.
One of Wass’s works, “Inside Out 221,” encapsulates his artistic philosophy and process. This acrylic painting on heavy watercolor paper, measuring 22”x30”, began spontaneously, with forms quickly falling into place. However, the real challenge lay in balancing color relationships. Wass experimented with juxtaposing colors that were not conventionally harmonious, harnessing their discordant energy to enhance the painting’s dynamism. The result is a testament to his perseverance and creative intuition.
Wass describes his artistic practice as a continuous chase for that elusive feeling when everything comes together just right. The studio becomes a playground of possibilities, where puzzle pieces of color, line, and shape are explored and rearranged until they resonate in perfect harmony. This process, though challenging, is where Wass finds joy and fulfillment as an artist.
Throughout his career, Wass has remained committed to his thematic approach, allowing him to explore complex ideas and concepts through his art. His work invites viewers to engage with the layers of meaning and emotion embedded within each composition. Whether teaching aspiring artists or creating his own artworks, Wass’s passion for art shines through, inspiring. He is an artist whose journey through the world of abstract expressionism has been marked by exploration, and experimentation.
