Ken Beckles is an abstract painter and photographer whose work stands apart due to his unique approach and vibrant creativity. “My paintings are personal and very different from other artists’ work due to the way that I approach the work,” Beckles explains. “I mix most of the colors that I use and design the unusual shapes for the paintings. I try to use as many variations as I can to separate my work from the rest of the art world. Using this discipline creates my own dynamic style of painting.” His influences are as varied as life itself, coming from outside the traditional art world. His abstract paintings are characterized by large areas of varied colors, sometimes splashed or solid, often with hard edges and unusual shapes. Beckles’ photography shares this personal nature, with a strong emphasis on color. He works from a continuous flow of ideas, often creating series of paintings that lead to new concepts and explorations.
Ken Beckles’ artwork, such as the piece “Flying Novena,” showcases his distinctive style. Created on March 3, 1993, this acrylic paint on wood work measures 79″ x 64″ and exemplifies his approach to color and form. Beckles mixes his own colors and designs the shapes himself, ensuring that each piece is a unique creation. The large, varied color areas in his paintings are sometimes splashed and sometimes solid, always with an eye for unusual combinations that make his work stand out. His use of hard edges, circles, and small paintings within the paintings adds depth and complexity to his pieces.
Beckles’ process is as dynamic as his finished works. Sometimes he begins with drawings done to scale, meticulously planning each element. At other times, he draws directly on the surface, driven by a clear concept that allows him to execute the painting without preliminary sketches. This flexibility in his approach keeps his work fresh and vibrant. His ability to tap into a continuous flow of ideas means that each new painting leads to more inspiration, creating a cycle of creativity that fuels his artistic journey.
In his photography, Beckles maintains his focus on color, treating each photograph with the same attention to hue and composition as his paintings. This consistent emphasis on color ties his two art forms together, creating a cohesive body of work that is distinctly his own. His photographs, like his paintings, capture moments and emotions, freezing them in time with a unique abstract quality.
One of the key elements of Beckles’ work is its emotional resonance. He describes his paintings as abstract color jewels that seem to have a mystic power, capturing and freezing flashes of emotion. This emotional depth is a significant aspect of his art, allowing viewers to connect with his work on a personal level. The varied colors and unusual shapes create a visual language that speaks to the complexity of human emotions and experiences.
Beckles’ paintings often lead to new series, each piece opening a door to further exploration. This iterative process means that his work is always evolving, with each series building on the last. His ability to work in multiple styles adds to the richness of his portfolio, as he continually pushes the boundaries of his own creativity.
In describing his art, Beckles often uses metaphors related to the cosmos. He sees his paintings as abstract color jewels that have fallen from the cosmos like comets or shooting stars. This cosmic imagery reflects the otherworldly quality of his work, inviting viewers to see his art as something beyond the ordinary. His paintings, with their vibrant colors and unusual shapes, capture the imagination and invite viewers to explore their own interpretations.
Ken Beckles’ art is a testament to the power of abstraction and the importance of color. His ability to mix his own colors and design unique shapes ensures that each piece is a one-of-a-kind creation. His work, whether in painting or photography, is personal and deeply emotional, capturing moments and emotions in a way that resonates with viewers. Beckles’ continuous flow of ideas and his willingness to explore new styles make him a dynamic and evolving artist, always pushing the boundaries of his own creativity. His paintings, with their mystic power and cosmic quality, are indeed abstract color jewels that invite viewers to see the world through his unique artistic lens.
