| MERTZ, DON | |
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The abstract paintings of Don Mertz are recognized for their bold usage of color combined with a very textural paint application. “Painting is a demanding passion for me … and a good reason to smoke a cigar, sip a great single malt scotch and listen to Willie Nelson. Admittedly, smoking a good cigar, sipping a fine single malt scotch and listening to Willie Nelson’s rendition of “The Last Thing I Needed the First Thing This Morning” are not activities one usually associates with creating art. For me they are. I want to create a painting that someone will find compelling for reasons they may or may not be able to articulate. It could be the mood it evokes, the memories it stirs up, or it could just be as simple as “it will look good there.” I am not attempting to deliver a message, support a cause, prevent split ends or cure restless leg syndrome. My paintings are not abstractions of any person, place or thing. There is no foundation of subject matter. There is an expanse of colors and textures, in which a variety of brushstrokes or shapes appear, disappear and re-appear. I am influenced by my memories, moods and thoughts -- or what I had for lunch.” – Don Mertz 
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