My paintings are a variety of contemporary compositions and abstract landscapes inspired by nature and influenced by everyday textures, old weathered surfaces, graphic symbols, typography, color contrast and patterns. Although I have a rough idea about how to proceed with a selected work, the process ultimately takes over and evolves into something quite different as the painting begins to reveal itself. My goal is to create a visual story that contains bold marks, subtle details, richness of texture and unique imagery – with the hope of creating a compelling piece that is enjoyed by the viewer while evoking a sense of calmness, beauty, ambiguity and playfulness.​

My physical approach is a combination of controlled intention and spontaneous experimentation. It begins by applying multiple layers of mixed-media material, and intuitively brushing, scraping and sanding to reveal textural subtlety, unexpected color and depth. I can paint over what is there and then scrape to reveal previous layers, but the intentional and the unintentional remain. The free-flow process is ever-evolving and leads to an undefined place, one that lies between idea, experimentation and execution.

My works are comprised of acrylics, oil paint, charcoal pencil, dry pigments, pastels, powdered marble, paper and cold-wax medium. The process will evolve from a gradual build-up of glazing layers of paint, collage elements and incised textures.

———

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.