About the artist
Alex C. Skeries is an exciting newcomer to the artist community. He is a 2020 graduate from the University of Iowa School of Art and Art History with a BFA in painting and drawing. An accomplishment that came better late than never for the fifty-one year old. He worked as a truck driver for nearly three decades and had all but abandoned his prior interest in art. His resurgence into the art world is inspiring to those seeking to alter their own career path. The images collected on this site are a culmination of his first two years as a painter. His future plans include entering an atelier as a full time student to build upon his self taught progress. The following is his personal reflection as a student, but long time appreciator, of art.
“I paint because I find it to be one of the most highly rewarding ways a person can challenge oneself. I revel in the puzzle and possibility that each new canvas sets before me. My success at navigating a path to a pleasing outcome is solely dependent upon how I respond to the obstacles before me. Those obstacles generally being my own lack of knowledge and experience. Therefore, I am driven to gain more of both. The finished painting becomes a lasting trophy. The most honest and tangible reflection of where I am as an artist and person.
The subject matter I choose evokes feelings of nostalgia and connection for me. I think both of these qualities provide a solid foundation for paintings others will admire as well. In my work, I always want to push myself with new challenges. I consistently explore every genre searching for that which strikes a meaningful chord with me.
Edgar Degas was quoted as saying… “Painting is easy when you don’t know how, but very difficult when you do.” I have learned quickly that painting what the eye sees can be quite difficult to say the least. In my brief career as an artist I have made every effort to utilize all the knowledge and skill in my current arsenal. In the end, I am pleased with my outcomes. They are truthful. They form an assemblage of what I’ve learned thus far and provide a signpost pointing to where I wish to go.
Paintings provide everyone the opportunity to slow down and look closely at what the images of life consist of. However, as a developing artist I also realize that careful observation is only the first layer of painting’s many challenges. How do artists render what they see as well as what they feel? Masters provide us the examples but it is up to the serious student to reach that destination for themselves. That will be my continuing pursuit as I go forth on my artistic journey.”
