Of his work, Springfield, Tennessee artist Dwayne Warwick states: “I think most people perceive artists’ painting with the same ease and effortlessness that a singer sings. For me, painting continues to be a battle. It’s like going to a destination on a tight wire – the purpose of the trip is overshadowed by the struggle to stay on the wire.”
In viewing Dwayne Warwick’s paintings, it is difficult to imagine such struggling. The ease and grace of lines and forms unite with warm and glowing light reminiscent of 17th century Dutch painters. Warwick’s watercolors reflect a classical feeling which he says is inspired by the Old Masters.
“I owe much to Charles Ambrose of the University of Southern Mississippi. While his drawing tutelage disciplined my technique, it was his art history classes which fostered my interest in the classical art of past centuries.” Studying from books and museums, Warwick developed an interest and challenge in being a student of traditional methods of painting. “The notes of Bach and Beethoven are available for music students, but the Old Masters left no records of their painting methods and formulas. The real knowledge of traditional painting is not widespread,” notes Warwick. Even without the recipes of the masters, Warwick’s work is certainly a fine attempt at recreation.
Dwayne Warwick’s collection at Stravitz Art Gallery