I am a full time painter
I paint what I see.
It is not the subject but the shapes, tones, color and there relation along with the play of light that crates a sensation.
I paint because I wish to respond and communicate this sensation.
The selection of shapes and tones rendered in realistic style with washes and brushstrokes is my painting. The selection is my vision and creates a body for the sensation felt.
If the viewer responds by saying “wow”, I believe he responds to that “abstract quality”,that”visual sensation” which I felt. This is probably my best reward and fulfillment than any long essay written by a critique