Craig Rouse
Denver, Colorado
Artist Craig Rouse paints abstract intersections of architecture and mid-century modern design. He creates strong images of geometric structures in a hard-edged fashion influenced by his graphic design background spanning 30 years. Craig flourishes in applying techniques of digital art to the canvas. “I retain some brushstrokes in my work as I don't want it to be absolutely perfect,” says Craig. He maintains organic brushwork between his precise process of color-blocked edges. Working in a shared studio at West Arts District in Lakewood Colorado, he absorbs and draws inspiration from the ever-changing energies of his fellow creators. Partnered with a fine artist, Craig’s artistic practice is a constant exchange of creative ideas. Outside artistic territory, he takes delight in playing volleyball and walking their studio dog, Riley.
Artist Statement
In recent years, I've returned to painting. I've been a graphic designer with my own companies for the past 30 years. My work has always tended toward hard-edge, color-block design and that is showing up in my fine art as well. I'm influenced by the intersection of architecture, graphic design, and mid-century modern artwork. Light and shadow also play a key role in my paintings. I start my fine art process by designing on the computer and selecting a palette of 8-12 colors. I lay out and transfer the design onto the cradled panel and paint each color. It's a painstaking and precise process to get clean edges on each color block. I do retain some brush strokes in the work so that it's obvious that an actual person painted this. I don't want it to be absolutely perfect. My wife, Carrie MaKenna, is also a fine artist and we bounce ideas and color palettes off one another. I'm also the sole proprietor of R Design LLC. Founded in 2007, a full-service graphic design studio specializing in the design of identity and logomarks, print collateral, and environmental/signage design.
Artist Background
Kansas City Art Institute
Bachelor of Fine Arts, 1979
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