Justin Shull
“My paintings are as much about the world we make as they are about the world that makes us.”
The work of contemporary artist Justin Shull is direct and dynamic. The subject matter is familiar and ordinary, yet the result is vibrant and compelling. Shull’s work explores the intersection and interaction between the human-made built environment and its geography, trees, plants, and the quality of light and colours unique to each location. His work is a celebration of the ordinary spaces we occupy in everyday life. “Trees, buildings, telephone poles, plants and geography are all cast members interacting on a stage in my paintings. The story they tell is the story of how we create our environment and how it shapes us. I think of each painting as building an image that captures something of an individual landscape’s growth and development and its unique environmental conditions.”
Shull’s works are produced both plein air and in a studio environment. Oil paint, gouache and acrylic paint are applied to a variety of substrates including linen, wood panels, aluminium, and handmade paper depending on the desired result.
Giorgio Morandi, Rackstraw Downes, Chuck Close, Georges Seurat and David Hockney are notable artistic influences. However, it was his studies with painter Stanley Lewis that instilled in him the importance of direct observation and the range of potential expression.
Justin currently resides in Michigan (US) and welcomes the opportunity to collaborate on projects with both local and international clients.