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Sister I by Matthew John Larson

Artist Matthew John Larson creates evocative portraits that deal with emotion in a subtle way. The series of portraits by Larson, which he refers to as "head paintings", invite viewers to contemplate the meaning behind their gaze.

Matthew John Larson has stated the following about his art: "I use the process, scale, color, and subject as tools to evoke an interaction. The scale is greatly enlarged and the gaze is subtle. The palette is restrained while the paint is rich and dynamic. The process is energetic and thoughtful, it is a dance, placing marks on the canvas and responding."

The Gift by Matthew John Larson

Art critic Brian Sherwin commented on Matthew John Larson's head paintings, stating, "These portraits are an exploration of self-truth in that viewers 'build' the story behind the faces. In that sense, Larson's head paintings offer an open narrative -- the viewer is permitted to 'fill in the gaps' based on his or her own experiences. When I view some of these images I see a jilted lover staring back... others, a mother in need." Sherwin added, "This is the kind of visual and psychology exchange I like to see in portraiture -- regardless if the model is real or imagined... Larson allows our imaginations and experiences to decide the story.".

Submerge by Matthew John Larson

Matthew John Larson earned his BFA from the University of Utah in 2007, and his MFA from the Utah State University in 2011. He studied drawing at the Florence Academy of Art in Goteburg, Sweden.

Visit www.larsonoilpaint.com to learn more about artist Matthew John Larson.