Cody Hooper Show 'Internal Light' at Pippin Contemporary

    SANTA FE, NM, August 08, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- "Internal Light is a show dedicated to the inner spirit of the artist. The work will touch on the contrast of struggles and triumphs in life that make us the dynamic creatures we are. I am highlighting on illusions of light, contrast, complex layering, bold colors, and surfaces to tell these stories through my paintings," Hooper states.

"I've begun to work a little more loosely. In this latest body of work, I start with a very thick buildup of textural pallet-knife painting and combine that with nice brushwork on top. This creates a unique layering of colors and textures while also making the creations more spontaneous," he says. He still is working mainly with acrylic on custom-made, 2-inch deep panels. His varnishing techniques involve multiple coats of oil varnish to enhance the work.

He's also going in some new directions with color. Hooper says. "I love color, because it's the first emotional response people have to a painting. I'm always trying to figure out better ways to mix warms and cools so that I can create a more dynamic energy or scene. This is what influences and pushes me. I'm currently creating some more neutral pieces with subtle touches of these intense hues. You will always find this mix of different colors and styles with my work as I get bored very quickly and like to switch gears to keep things fresh for others and myself. Art should be fun and I find that after two or three similar pieces, after I think I've mastered a look, I have no desire to continue on that route," he comments. "As artists we have to continue to learn and strive for those paintings that give us goose bumps!"

Hooper grew up in North Texas and now lives and works in Santa Fe and Albuquerque. As a child he was surrounded by art and music, along with the beauty of the Southwest landscape, inspiring his interest in fine art. Hooper studied under Southwest watercolor artist Barbara Hughes for several years. Throughout his early years he focused primarily on realistic watercolors. After many years of painting in watercolors, Hooper began experimenting with abstracts in various mediums. He was deeply interested in the effects of color, texture and the emotional response to strong composition and design. "Removing the representational and creating something that told a story without an observational subject matter was very exciting," he says. Today his work is a bold mix of styles, ranging from sleek and contemporary to weathered and organic. Hooper brings a subtle and sophisticated feel to his paintings through a unique balance of color, composition and texture. His work is featured in private and public collections worldwide.

"Internal Light," a show of new works by abstract artist Cody Hooper opens Aug. 7 at Pippin Contemporary Fine Art Gallery. The show will run through Aug. 26, with an artist's reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 22.

Located at the gateway to historic Canyon Road, Pippin Contemporary, founded May 2011 by artist Aleta Pippin, is committed to showing abstract art that is fresh and vibrant, as well as collectible. Pippin Contemporary's artists, selected for their energetic and tactile expressions, celebrate life with colorful and authentic insights, expanding the realm of possibilities in their artwork. Their expressions range from abstract paintings to sculpture in stone, metal and glass, bronze, and kinetic sculpture.

Pippin Contemporary provides a sensory experience of color and mood.

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