Chasing Wonder: Why I Push the boundaries in My Art

One of the driving forces in my art practice is the urge to push past what I already know. I don’t want to stay in the safe zone. I’m always exploring—whether it’s new materials, new techniques, or a different way to approach a familiar subject. That experimentation isn’t just for the sake of novelty. It’s a way to keep discovering something deeper. Something more compelling.

Every painting is a kind of question: What happens if I try this? What if I push this texture further? Shift the color balance? Break the symmetry? I work hard to create visual interest that holds your attention—not just for a glance, but for a while. I want the viewer’s eye to travel, to stay engaged, to notice something new each time they look.

But beyond that, I want the experience of seeing my work to be something you feel. I want it to pull you out of wherever you are and drop you into something better. A space that’s quieter, more beautiful, more alive. Not just a view, but a moment—charged with atmosphere, memory, or mystery.

I hope my paintings inspire a little wonder. A pause. A breath. That’s what I chase every time I step up to the panel. And if I can share that with someone else—if a piece can give someone a sense of presence, or lift, or even just the urge to look a little longer—then I’ve done what I set out to do.

Thanks for following along with the journey. Art is the most fascinating thing I hope to never figure out! It's about the adventure and discovery.

—Dennis

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