Shaun Kinley

"I most enjoy creating paintings that express subject matters with passion and emotion," says Shaun Kinley. "Though they vary from athletes, to cityscapes and to portraits, each one has intrinsic characteristics that inspire me to paint it. My subjects have earned my respect through their devotion to genuine competition or excellence in their fields. The subjects often hint of solitude or loneliness as well, just as with any hero."

Horse racing was a natural selection of subject matter for Kinley. "The horses don't understand anything of the fame or fortune along with winning; they just race," he says. "Other pieces, featuring amateur and professional athletes, depict themes such as individual triumph, team rivalry and command of the field. Cityscapes offer a more communal enthusiasm. New York City, for example, is a nonstop city with vitality. New Yorkers possess determination and resolve, witnessed by their accomplishments and especially their actions during and after 9/11. But, there seems to be a real solitude among each of them as they are driven to find their way in the city."

Kinley's subject matter is developed through the style and technique of acrylic, oil paints and textures on canvas. Using basic unmixed colors, right next to higher contrasting colors, Kinley adequately communicates darks and lights. Motion is shown with various textures and/or blurring brush strokes, along with alternating colors. The paintings show varying motion in a relative way that does not detract from the true motion of the person or structure. Most of Kinley's paintings show that he is drawn into the subjects and that he imagines what their hearts are feeling and wanting. For example, the heartbeat of a race horse, and the vision of a quarterback in play, rendering a certain reverence or loyalty toward the subject.

"My art has progressed through independent study and continuing education in fine arts in local colleges" says Kinley. Regular commissions include a painting for the White House of the Oslo Peace Treaty and commissions for the Chicago, Disney World and Marine Corps Marathons.

For more information, call 440-716-1002; e-mail kinleystudios@juno.com; visit www.kinleystudios.com.