Donald Schenkel

Donald Schenkel is a visual artist that is fascinated by the possibilities of oil paint in connection to its materiality. He creates subtle colour gradients, seeking for smoothness in his compositions that can lead the eye into the faraway. Donald Schenkel applies his artistic vision to paintings, sculptures and large scale installations as well as commissions.

More about the artist

Donald Schenkel creates subtle colour gradients that express rhythm, depth and serenity. All of his works result from a dialogue with the materials in question. Approaching oil paint as a material that exposes the qualities and characteristics of pigments and colours, Donald is able to evoke impressions of translucency and reflections, creating a sense of endless space and light. There is also the depth expressed by shadows and dark gradients in which the lighter colours seem to dissolve. These gradients contain a soothing subtlety that makes them the natural viewpoint for contemplation; a sense of silent wonder.

Concepts and visual elements return in different forms, highlighting different perspectives. Every pigment that is introduced into the repertoire is like a stone in a pond that changes the entire composition and colour scheme. Working with different materials such as glass, aluminium, canvas and most recently wood allows him to shine light on their qualities and explore metaphoric connections. The colours and wood patterns that are laid bare form a kinship with the colour gradients, captivating the eye.

Another recurring element in Donald’s work is the exploration of geometrical shapes. As the visual language develops geometrical shapes form the boundaries of gradients. It is not clear whether they float in space or are planes of gradients put in perspective. The geometric shapes of the wood and the paintings, for example, tap into the abstract visual language of Donald’s work, referring to earlier works on glass and Perspex. This is the direct result from Donald’s concentric working method in which all of his works share a reference to those made before. With each new series, a whole new field of opportunities is laid bare.

Donald Schenkel’s gradient’s are applied to paintings, sculptural works as well as large scale installations.

CV