Combining roots in abstract expressionism with a deep appreciation of the spectacular landscapes of the Columbia Gorge where he resides, Ted Olson’s paintings trend toward emotive landscape. These are Western paintings — skies, buttes, and seasons are sometimes recognizable, and there is a strong horizon line. Simple aspects like gesture, opacity or transparency, edge, and surface are important.
Olson moves oil paint around on birch panels with scrapers, sticks, and hands, laying down layers, then removing and reshaping the paint. The strength and resistance of the birch panels allow an aggressive approach resulting in deep, luminous, and engaging works.
Olson holds a BA in Fine Arts from Portland State University and an MFA in Visual Communications from the University of Kansas, and has placed paintings in many homes and offices. Recent accomplishments include a Best in Show award in the Abstract Art exhibit at Columbia Center for the Arts and lively participation in the
recent Gorge Artists Open Studio Tour.
To see these works in the flesh, please join us in the gallery, opening night for our New Artists Show.