Michael Verbenec

The concept for these paintings grew out of my exploration of the theory of "transparent" watercolor, in which the white of the paper, rather than white paint, is used for the white elements and highlights in the composition. Starting in my Southwestern series, I began adding white elements, like snow, to my compositions.

As I push the concept further, I work to create a sense of three dimensional space with a minimum of paiint on the surface, converting the negative space of the white paper into a powerful element in the composition.

I find this cohesion between paint and surface, figure and ground, creates a more integrated work of art.