“ Filoli”

Yes! He's back! Wayne Salvatore, after the 3 year contemplative period roars back with a stylistic more painterly direction. His compositions have always been polished and superb. No change there. But the new direction is fierce in it's character as it challenges the viewer to put aside "pretty" and visually deal with an "in your face" painterly "texturalism" that is new and is unapologetic in confronting the viewer's level of sophistication. This new style is not for "sissies". The casual observer will miss Mr. Salvatore's magic if they cannot stand firm in their contemplation of the mastery before them. Slow down and savor these. Challenge yourself to bring your mind to bear on the basic elements of what characterizes a work of art. We can admire Wayne's courage as he goes right up to the edge of "mud" and then stops as if on the edge of a precipice. Another stroke and all could be lost. This is just part of Mr. Salvatore's genius and steely resolve to push the limits of himself and the Art world. Welcome back Wayne.

Craig Starr

30x40"
2010
acrylic on canvas

“ In a Jitney with Copernicus”

Ahhh!!! What joy to see the work of an artist that can infuse life and art with such joy, power and excitement. The elements in joyful balance dance blithely across the canvas as if to a rhythmic tune. The black forms linear directional quality (expressed like in a drawing at times) hold the eye on the field and help the eye move from form to fascinating form. One of the most intriguing elements is the whole moon like figure in the upper left hand corner of the work. As it is not engaged with the black linear style, it creates a sense of distance as if it were the real moon and all the other elements were actively engaged in their various activities separately from the distant "moon" or sun form. The light blue field, that the elements delight upon, creates a lovely negative space that flows in and out of the composition and contrasts nicely with the stimulated black and energetically drafted forms. This blue field gives the eye time and space to move to another element. The "air" created by the blue field allows the forms to float and allows each element to have it's own little tiny exhibition within the whole (the greater drama unfolding before us). Again, Mr. Salvatore shares with us his love of art to our great delight. Thank you Wayne!

Craig Star

48x60"
2006
acrylic on canvas

“ Dizzying Heights”

Could get lost in this were it big enough.. It very much looks like a sattelite image of a city and rivers. I can see why you called it "dizzying heights".

Mike Crawford

48x60"
2005
acrylic on canvas

“ String Theory”

Why should people view abstract art? What can it teach us about our world and ourselves? In this piece by Wayne Salvatore we are brought to this decision. If you are new to abstract art, then let me help you by explaining why this piece is a GREAT place to start. The joy of creation is exemplified in this work titled "String-Theory". String Theory in the scientific world is a concept one should investigate to broaden your knowledge base. But in abstract art you can take string theory for the very literal enjoyment of strings of paint flowing onto a surface to delight the viewer with complexity and balance. When a person views a naturalistic landscape we can marvel at the beauty. What is that beauty? Is it not recognition of color and balance and form that is pleasing to us? The same applies to abstract art if you can accept that joy can be found in creativity and colors balanced against each other can in their own playful accidental and purposeful application (by the artist) delight or intrigue the eye and eventually the soul. Wayne knows this about art and is kind enough and brave enough to share with us his personal courage and wisdom. To appreciate abstract art is to appreciate that we are more than just casual observers in our universe. We have the power, as artists, to share out delight of the elements of art with the universe. It means we live. It means we have lived. In sharing the fun of creativity and in sharing the sorrows of life expressed through abstraction. The viewer takes what they will from the artist's work. This is fine. The artist endeavors to create and or communicate, either or both. This is sharing. This is art. This is life. Picasso understood this. Even our most mundane experiences can have power in life if we choose to communicate them through Art. Jackson Pollock, one of Mr. Salvatore's major influences broke barriers in our concept of what is art by being original in his drip paintings. Abstraction frees us to be creative. To reach into that creative passion that is in each of us, the inner child that explored the world for the first time with crayons, watercolor, sticks and mud. The medium isn't nearly as important as the act of creation. It is in this act of creating that we become human again. Each time we communicate through our creativity we are social beings. Abstraction is a way to share our love of the world with others. For those of you who are unsure of yourselves and are afraid to go here, just do it. Give yourself permissions to explore the delight of creating. It's OK to free yourself by freeing your mind to explore and grow your art. Mr. Salvatore has shown you the way. He's not afraid to create and share. He gives. For the new artists who view this commentary, notice how Wayne laid down the darker background and works his way to the foreground. Notice he refused to quit until the balance of color and light and dark were achieved. There is a struggle going on in the painting between these elements. Neither winning, they are locked in a timeless battle for supremacy of the canvas. In and out the eye soars, into the background and out to the foreground. There is no way a photograph can give justice to this work. I wish I could explain to the viewers the struggle and decision making that goes on in the Artist's mind when wrestling with these issues. No, it's not life or death, but it requires considerable calculations of hand eye movement and decisions based on color, form and line. So, since I can't fully describe it, go and do it. Try it. Come on in, the water (and in this case the String-Theory) is very fine. Thanks Wayne.
Craig Star

36x48"
2005
acrylic & sand on canvas