Featured Artist Hal Mayforth
Free-flowing and expressive abstract paintings by Hal Mayforth are filled with energy and motion. Visit his website to view more of his art.
“Pinto” Acrylic on Canvas, 24″ x 44″
My work has had a long and steady evolution in the sketchbooks that I have been keeping for the last 40 years. I have a routine that I have been following for many years. I meditate for 20 minutes and follow that up with an hour session drawing in my books.
“Crackerjack” Acrylic on Canvas, 25″ x 44″
The meditation clears my head and allows the good stuff to rise to the top. After meditating, my drawing is more relaxed and focused. I never know where these sessions will take me. The unexpected plays a big role in my present work.
“Luxor” Acrylic on Canvas, 25″ x 31″
I have had a long career as a humorous illustrator. My work has appeared in many major magazines. Throughout my career, I have always continued to do my personal work.
“Array” Acrylic on Canvas, 17″ x 25″
Several years ago I was fortunate enough to have a residency at the Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, Vermont. It changed my approach to my art. Prior to my VSC visit, I had been doing easel grid paintings on wood panel. The generous space of my VSC studio allowed me to start working on a larger scale, painting gesturally with my whole body, rather than just my wrist.
Artist Hal Mayforth in VSC studio
Upon my return from my residency, I rearranged my studio so that I had a large wall to work on and have been working on a large scale ever since.
“Butterfingers” Acrylic on Canvas, 31.5″ x 52.5″
These paintings are about the spontaneity of automatic drawing combined with the more cerebral act of editing. I try to let the materials do the work and react to what is presented to me, after an initial burst of unfiltered mark making.
“Zydeco” Acrylic on Canvas, 30″ x 38″
In some ways, my work reflects the chaos and rhythms of nature and everyday life and how chaos can unexpectedly veer towards beauty. I find this way of working deeply satisfying. I am always looking forward to what the next painting will reveal.
“Lumina” Acrylic on Canvas, 22.5″ x 53″
I have been actively marketing this work for the last several years. I spend most mornings to that end. The afternoons are for painting.
“Ravenna” Acrylic on Canvas, 30″ x 41″
My work is in many online galleries and I have been seeking representation in quality galleries. I have also been marketing my work to art consultants with an eye on the hospitality, corporate, and healthcare markets.
