New School Expressionist Painter

Rapid River Magazine: What “school” of art would your work be categorized under?

Daniel McClendon: I have a difficult time categorizing my art, as I’m inspired by so much and I’ve never really subscribed to or identified with a specific movement. My techniques and philosophies vary a lot. But for the sake of ease, I would say I fall into the Expressionist/ Abstract Expressionist school. I’m just a “new school” version…

RRM: How long have you been an artist and specifically doing this kind of work?

McClendon: I’ve been creating in some capacity my whole life. I painted my first oil painting 15 years ago while in high school and went on to college to get a BFA focusing specifically on painting realism. But, I’ve only been doing the work I’m recognized by, for about five years — I wrote down the initial concept in the middle of the night on March 21, 2011. It feels like I’ve been around for a while, but in reality I’m a spring chicken. I’m 31. Despite any achievements I may think I have made, I’m just beginning.

RRM: When looking at your work I notice the majority of it is full of bright color and life. What inspires you to create such vivid designs?

McClendon: Yes. I love color! I’m just more attracted to colors that’s enliven. That’s not to say I don’t have muted colors in my paintings, but I typically air on the side of energetic colors. That’s where a lot of the abstraction comes into play. I challenge myself by exploring how colors work together and use them with line and marks to create interesting dynamics. But it’s important to note that I begin every painting (at least currently) with an abstract black and white painting. Those aren’t even colors!

RRM: If a painting isn’t going the way you want it to are you inclined to start over or embrace the idea of ‘happy accidents’?

McClendon: I always chug on through a painting, despite frustrations or challenges. There’s no starting over. No reset button. The famous tv artist Bob Ross spoke of happy accidents as mistakes you embrace. But there’s no right or wrong in my paintings. As far as I’m concerned, my whole existence is a happy accident and work reflects my life philosophy. There’s only what happens and what doesn’t happen. Why dwell on what could have been?

RRM: Where can your work be viewed?

McClendon: The Lift Studios at 349 Depot St. in Asheville is my main show space. It’s a studio first and foremost, but it’s a 5,000 sq ft. building, so I use the vast majority for showcasing finished work. The studio is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11-5 p.m.

Upcoming Shows

Positive/Negative 31 National Juried Art Exhibition at ETSU’s Slocumb Gallery, Johnson City, TN. On display until March 4, 2016.

“New Faces,” Group show at Upstairs Art Space Tryon, NC. Opening reception March 12 at 6 p.m. On display through April 27, 2016.

One-night Pop-Up Show in Durham, NC residence. Opens April 1 from 6-9 p.m.

Daniel McClendon
For updates and invitations, sign up on the contacts page at www.danielmcclendon.com.

Visit www.theliftstudios.com