Picasso said, “Painting is stronger than I am. It makes
me do what it wishes.”
Capturing the soul, or
essence and energy of the landscape is a challenge.
Painting what you see and feel at the same time is like
walking the fence. If you fall one way you have what
everyone sees, if you fall the other way you have what
everyone feels. Therefore you must stay on the edge of
the fence.
I am fascinated by the
Florida landscape and strive to paint it in a different
way than any other artist. While I stay on the edge of
the fence, I can still create images that are
representational but have the essence of mystery and
excitement that reality does not permit some
imaginations to perceive.
I have good horses, so I
am fortunate enough that I could go into areas that most
people cannot reach, especially in summer when the water
levels are high. Riding through swamps that four wheel
ATV's cannot navigate, what I have seen is so stunning
it forces you to think about Florida's past and future
while you are in its midst.
I have taken pictures
from the saddle and worked in my studio to bring out the
real expressionism in the Florida landscape. Some of my
scenes are also taken on trips with my motorcycle to
places like Cedar Key and Ozello Keys, as well as other
familiar, and isolated vistas throughout the state, by
boat and on foot.
There is underlying
warmth and mystery in the landscape of Florida. If we
don't clean up the litter and debris from dumping, as
well as stopping it altogether, and we allow the
bulldozer to ravage the state for development, draining
our water supply, we will watch this all disappear in
our lifetime. More of the state needs to be protected
for future generations, and it needs to be done now
before it's too late.
I have painted many
styles and am influenced by many artists throughout the
history of modern art as well as the ancient cultures
that have come before us. I cannot think of anything
more intriguing to paint than the soul of the Florida
landscape, out loud.
- Gary Borse
