Sold my first painting at a high school art show - a seascape (go figure) with waves crashing against a cliff wall. The buyer was drawn to the bold bright colors not necessarily seen in nature. For me the ocean is an endless expression of motion, changing day to day with the wind and tides. Going out and coming back, each wave unique.

It took years, but I finally got it through my head to just let go and enjoy the creative process.

Using contrast of bright and shadow, I create a visual language of shape, form, and color with a degree of freedom from real world visual references. Experimenting with color combinations and brush strokes that express an emotion or mood of a particular scene or object quite often the end result is unexpected, filled with interesting forms and textures. Abstract seascapes are the primary subject matter of my work. For me the ocean is an endless expression of motion, changing day to day with the wind and tides…constantly ebbing and flowing, each wave unique. I prefer acrylic paint as my medium of choice as it allows for heavy thick strokes as well as thin transparent washes (and drying time is quick allowing for layering a piece in a short amount of time).  With a background in graphic design and photography, I continue developing my creative style through experimenting with mixed media, Plein Air painting, attending artist workshops, and with toes in the sand, watching waves roll up the beach.

Artist Bio 

Skip Gosnell, a Pennsylvania-based contemporary artist, is known for his abstract visual art that captures the energy and motion of churning waves. His strong use of a bold palette is complimented by the use of contrasting colors. The artist’s aesthetic choices are intuitive rather than premeditated. Through his gestural brushstrokes and application techniques, Skip’s paintings summon an energized emotional response. Using varying tools and brushes, he creates layered works with an illusion of depth, pops of color, and contrasting shapes. His style is nuanced by a range of inspirations, including scenery from local coastal regions. Skip graduated with a degree in Visual Communications from University of Delaware. With a background in graphic design and photography he worked as design director for several local magazines. Working for over 30 years in the creative industry, Skip has embarked on his career path as an artist and designer. Follow his art on Instagram (@Skip Gosnell) and check out his online art gallery at skipgosnellart.com

Awards

Media Arts Council 2022 Juried Show - 2nd Place

Ocean City Arts Center Juried Show - Purchase Award

Events

2022

Swarthmore Friends of the Arts Solo Show - March 2 - March 30

Media Arts Council’s Juried Painting Exhibit - May 6 - May 29

Ocean City Arts 59th Annual Boardwalk Art show - August 5, 6, 7

Aston Mills Arts Studios Art Show - November 19, 20

2021 

Swarthmore Friends of the Arts Group Show - October 

Heron Crest Studios Art Show - November 

My art business has been designated as a "Trusted Art Seller" with The Art Storefronts Organization, which means you can shop with confidence, and know that I stand behind the quality and value of my art & design products.