On Texture: One on One with Mike Ryon
We just discussed ways in which we might add or enhance the textural quality of our own fingerpaintings. Now let’s have a look at someone who puts those methods to good use.
- “Angkor Wat” by Mike Ryon
Mike Ryon is a fingerpainter fairly new to the scene, but who’s work certainly reveals the experience (and results) of a very well seasoned painter. Ryon’s work is most known for its expressive textural qualities and his impressionistic, lively display of subject matter.
Ryon created his first fingerpainting in August 2009 and never looked back. Fascinated with the unique effects of layered paint on canvas, he skillfully manages to recreate it visually with the seemingly limited toolbox offered in art apps like Brushes, Paintbook, Photogene and Photocanvas. “It is a conscious move to simulate the 3-D effects of paint globs on canvas. I am intrigued by the accidental nature of oils and the way it can be layered. I use that experiene to build or simulate it with pixels.” Ryon says.
Ryon is inspired by the everyday photographs he takes with his Canon and iPhone. He uses these photos as an inspirational base for a more ambitious endeavor: creating virtual “oil” paintings. Ryon, who loosely refers to his style as “multi-faceted impressionism”, typically sketches his images out in paintbook and then transfers variations to Brushes–layer by layer–to develop his lively abstracts and landscapes. The process is very organic–the artist feels his way through each individual piece, resourcefully employing multiple app features. “[I may] send it to photogene perhaps for color balancing and/or contrast adjustments. NO rules, just right!” he says.
Before entering the digital arena, Ryon experimented with everything from pencils and oil paints to plaster. His experimentation with these different mediums can be attributed to his upbringing. “It certainly helps if you’re allowed to wander through your dad’s studio, maybe make a kite out of tissue paper, or borrow a brush to paint a model airplane.” Ryon believes these experiences have shaped his approach to fingerpainting on his iphone. And it has clearly shaped his point of view, as well.
"Watermark Holler" by Mike Ryon
"Taking Air Data" by Mike Ryon
More about the artist:
A good friend indeed. Thanks for sharing your insights with FP.it, Mike!
Part 1 of this post deals with textures and ways to achieve them in fingerpainting.
February 12th, 2010 at 16:44
I was wondering when we’d see mike up in the blog. I like hearing the stories of these pictures, post some for your work sometimes!
February 12th, 2010 at 17:24
Yeah, he has a very unique perspective. And I like that he is very open–inspiration-wise. He must look at things and just see art. I’m sure a lot of us are that way. But more than that, he’s just a really great person. Great spirit…it shows in his work. This is really an amazing group of artists–the more I learn about everyone, the more inspired I become…
that said, you send some of your stories too! 😉
February 12th, 2010 at 17:41
Well alright, Mia! You made it sound like I know what um doing with this contraption! See how gifted you are as a writer? Thanks a million for highlighting my thoughts on the medium. 🙂
February 13th, 2010 at 15:53
I really enjoy reading about how traditionally trained artists are using these new mediums. Thanks Mia….and thank you Mike for some great insights into your thoughts and techniques.
February 14th, 2010 at 22:45
Another great article about a terrific artists who knows what he’s after. Kudos to you both, I’ll be looking for more of your work.
February 15th, 2010 at 08:00
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July 19th, 2010 at 19:41
This stuff looks so great but my results have been so poor. I have tried integrating texture photographs and using layers to build up texture. I even have found a little unsharp mask can create a subtle illusion on impasto but I would really appreciate if someone would give a very detailed tutorial suggesting how to obtain color “texture” and also some pseudo 3D brushwork or texture. I have tried to find an app to give some grain but have not found the right one for me yet. My frustration comes in part from having done my first digital touch work on my kid’s DS and the app I used had a nice simulated grain that gave my marks a beautiful look. On iTouch I have failed to simulate grain or paper/canvas texture using layers or brush settings thus far and I am hoping someone can help 🙂