The atmospheric paintings of Richard Bruce immediately transport the viewer into a dreamlike landscape while also mimicking the stabilizing force of the horizon. ’That thin place where the earth becomes the sky’ – described in the Gaelic tradition as Coal áit – informs Bruce’s art ascribing to it a transcendental place that is at once familiar and yet unknowable.
Bruce’s abstracted works might conjure images of the Hudson River School – perhaps not surprisingly since the artist lives in the region north of New York City and near to the Hudson. With a more subdued palette, Bruce’s works are nonetheless reminiscent of Color Field painters such as Mark Rothko, both in their ability to envelop us and in their spiritual sensibility
Karin Sanders
2006
Richard Bruce’s walnut ink paintings seem as if they are circular worlds somewhere in space — planet surfaces perhaps, depicting shadows and seas. Yet, up close these pristine and sumptuous abstractions are filled with gesture, thought and intent. their delicacy belies the difficult and precise hand that created their almost Da Vinci-like execution. The inks themselves are a wonderful array of color – almost purple to deep brown, to lights of flesh and watery brunette. The work evokes simple, yet elemental qualities of the ground, as well as the sky. They have a sense of the environmental, as imagined through a perceptive eye. Also known for his ethereal landscapes, which reflect the air and light of the Hudson Valley, and reiterate the great Hudson School painters, Bruce has said of his work: “My paintings have been heavily influenced by the Abstract Expressionist painters and, during my early years in Manhattan I had the great fortune to work with and get to know many of the greats including Joan Mitchell and Milton Resnick. Abstract elements are still incorporated in my work, however, now my paintings are much more informed by the area in which I live and the ethereal beauty of the Hudson Valley. Recently I have realized how little my paintings actually have to do with landscape. In fact, most landscape painting holds very little interest for me. I am not trying to create literal depictions of specific places, but am more interested in capturing the experience of the landscape, of being in nature and the inherent spirituality found there. The paintings are very much about the river and the water. When I am not painting I spend a great deal of time kayaking on the river or hiking on the many trails in the area. I am also very concerned about the preservation and restoration of this environment and wonderful resource.” In his new works, Bruce continues to explore the essence of nature and its abstractions. The resulting imagery is a testament to his love of both.
Philip F. Clark
2010
