Colors

By Marlene Carolessi

A Man of Many

LynDon GAiTheR...

aBlo PiCasso wondered why "two colors, put one next to the other, sing." Texas artist Lyndon Gaither understands the question. What's more, he knows the answer to the question. His colors don't only sing, they are visual operatic outbursts. He shares his secrets. "I achieve what I call 'a bold and electrifying use of color' by placing contrasting colors that are strikingly dierent next to one another." He explains his one-man mission: "I want to put color into the sepia-tone world of Western art." Acknowledging that his art is not for everyone and that there are people who only like the traditional style, he nonetheless admits to having great appreciation and respect for those artists who lean toward the sepia tones. "On the other hand," he reveals, "I enjoy painting Western subjects using non-traditional colors that are intended to make the viewer feel happy and excited about my work." Gaither is not a reclusive artist, embracing solitude in a lonely garret with only a palette for warmth. This man of many colors likes going to trade shows, where he chats with art-lovers and fellow artists alike. He likes to converse with fans of all ages about his style and his techniques. visit his web site (www.lyndongaither.com) and you'll quickly understand the method in his media. "I like to put the focus on the subject of my paintings," he explains, "and not the backgrounds. I often ask those looking at my work if they have a blue and purple horse, a green and red saddle, or a pair of chaps that are yellow. They always say no with a laugh, but they also tell me that my painting are fun, that they make people feel good." Gaither's journey to painting with primary colors has had many stops along the way. Having studied at North Texas University, where he painted in a style completely dierent from his current one (yes, he relied on sepia tones), Gaither has also worked as an exhibit designer, a art director and a

illustrator. Although he lives in Dallas, his heart remains in rural Texas. This farmer's son grew up just outside Plainview. While his hands did farm work, his heart pulsed with a longing for art. Gaither acknowledges the changes that have transformed his life and his art. "My work is evolving," he conrms. "I continue to stretch myself and my limits with every new piece." Asked what excites him, he speaks of "the contrast of color and shapes. My bold, dramatic and electrifying use of color," he admits, "is what sets me apart from other Western artists." In addition to understanding colors that sing, Gaither and Picasso have something else in common: a respect for God's creations. Picasso once asserted that God had a sense of humor. "He created the girae, didn't he?" Picasso is reported to have asked. Similarly, Gaither admits to a certain bond he has with the "Western lifestyle, the people that make up that community, the tools of the trade" and of course, "the animals." There is pride, too as be speaks about the state he so clearly loves. "We Texans" he asserts, "have a love of God and country, a deep respect and concern for the land, the animals, and most of all, each other."
A Distinctive style . com

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A Distinctive style . com

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