I
started painting in 1985, after saying to myself, "If other people
can do it, so can I." I took one drawing class and taught myself
the rest. I don't set out to imitate one style. It has evolved over
time to what you see today.
However,
I am influenced by Marcel Duchamp, the Dadaist's, Picasso, Max Ernst,
Kurt Schwitters, Hans Arp, the Surealists, and the COBRA group. COBRA
stands for Copenhagen, Brussels and Amsterdam. After WW II, artists
in these towns returned to their child and painted in a very crude
method which I embraced.
Like
a fine wine, I got better with time and tightened up. Cloth is the
most difficult thing to paint. I now like the challenge of recreating
an old masterpiece. These are exercises to make me a better artist
in the future. While copying an old painting is rewarding, I really
love my original works, the ones that come from inside my mind, heart,
and soul.
Peace
be with you,
Christopher
Winkler
