My paintings explore the space between contemporary figuration and abstraction, drawing inspiration from life, nature, texture, weathered surfaces, and graphic elements. The process is intuitive, beginning with a loose premise and unfolding as figures or forms gradually emerge on the canvas. I seek to create bold, layered paintings that evoke calm, beauty, and a sense of ambiguity.

My physical approach balances deliberate intention with spontaneous experimentation. Each painting develops through the application of multiple mixed-media layers, followed by intuitive brushing, scraping, and sanding to uncover subtle textures, unexpected color relationships, and depth. Layers are often painted over and then re-revealed, allowing both the intentional and the accidental to coexist. This fluid, evolving process leads to an undefined place—one that exists between idea, experimentation, and execution.

The works incorporate acrylics, oil paint, charcoal pencil, dry pigments, pastels, powdered marble, paper, and cold-wax medium. Over time, the surface builds through translucent glazing, collage elements, and incised textures, creating a sense of history and material presence within each painting.

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Rand was born in Maryland and lived and worked in Northern Virginia for many years before settling in Asheville, North Carolina in 2017. His work can be found in public and private collections throughout US and Internationally.