Abstract Painter Francis Scorzelli Plays with Intuition and Logic, Memory and Dreams

Francis Scorzelli is an award-winning artist in Santa Barbara, California. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Maharishi International University. His abstract oils on canvas and works on paper utilize the power of chromatic relationships to create ‘unique, self-contained color worlds.’ His subject matter is open to interpretation, but he is inspired by the interplay between intuition and logic, memory and dreams.

Scorzelli’s paintings been featured in California museums and exhibited in solo and group shows around the U.S. He gives two-dimensional work a three-dimensional quality by layering the paint and scraping it off in specific areas to reveal what lies beneath. His vibrant tableaux, with their rich tones, and dynamic use of texture and form, have a satisfying fluidity that lures the eye across the canvas. The viewer weighs the variations of cool and warm and experiences the emotional timbre of color.

The paint application becomes a multi-play of gestures without any clear expression of form. In other areas I employ paint thinned to the point that it resembles a veil. Despite the delicacy that characterizes my style; clustered areas of impenetrably dense color anchor certain works. It is the tension between colors that will make a painting look three-dimensional. I experiment with different media to elicit different effects, but five elements characterize much of my work: surface texture, depth, drip, form and color.

Rather than struggling with feelings of alienation, Scorzelli cherishes the bonds he has made with other artists. As president of the Santa Barbara Artist Collective, he organizes open studio tours to unite the local arts community. By creating opportunities for emerging artists, and fostering a nurturing and supportive environment, Scorzelli shares what he has learned during his long career. As he lectures and exhibits his work, and continues to paint in the studio, he hopes to inspire others to achieve their dreams.

Table of Contents

• Francis Scorzelli — Artist Statement
• 2021 Grant Submission Work
• Francis Scorzelli – Artist Bio
• Francis on the Web And Social Media

Francis Scorzelli — Artist Statement

Using the power of color relationships to create unique, self-contained color worlds, and to achieve the grammar of art—completeness, appropriateness and unity—in twodimensional work with a three-dimensional perspective quality. My work seems unforced, and appears to have been executed instantaneously, but in actuality, I spend many laborious hours layering paint and then scraping to expose the multiple layers underneath, while retaining an intimate feeling and sense of space. My well designed and engaging paintings are generated from a variety of sources. Intuition and logic, dream and memory… these are the polarities that become the basis of my work.

The paint application becomes a multi-play of gestures without any clear expression of form. In other areas I employ paint thinned to the point that it resembles a veil. Despite the delicacy that characterizes my style; clustered areas of impenetrably dense color anchor certain works. It is the tension between colors that will make a painting look three-dimensional. I experiment with different media to elicit different effects, but five elements characterize much of my work: surface texture, depth, drip, form and color.

The images in my paintings aren't specific enough for one to see a clearly defined form or place, but having a sort of vague quality. I find it difficult to work with images or with objects that already have a meaning or distinctions. I would rather make work that does not already require knowledge of a systematize language, leaving the end result open to the interpretation of the viewer.

I make a lot of different work which is representative of each series. Striving for a physical heaviness, seeking to eradicate the white canvas or paper. The challenge is to attain a composition that is both unified and dense.

Francis Scorzelli – Grant Submission Work

Francis Scorzelli – Artist Bio

Francis Scorzelli received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting and graphic design from Maharishi International University. Scorzelli has participated in numerous solo and group shows in the United States (New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, St. George, Utah and Santa Barbara). He has participated in 4 museum shows in California (all shows were by invitation only).

Also participating in “Visual Dialogues” show at Sulkin/Secant Gallery at Bergamot Station Arts Center, Santa Monica, CA Francis is a founding member of the Santa Barbara Artist Collective and President of the Santa Barbara Studio Artists for 10 years. Scorzelli is an award-winning artist and currently lives and works in Santa Barbara. His works are in Corporate and Private Collections throughout the United States.

Francis Scorzelli on the Web And Social Media

Here is where to find out more about Francis Scorzelli on the web and social media:

• Francis Scorzelli – Website
• Francis on Instagram

• Francis on Facebook

About the Artist of the Day Series

All artworks have been published with permission of the artist. Our "Artist of the Day" series is a regular feature highlighting artworks from the 100's of grant applications we receive. The "Not Real Art Grant" is an annual award designed to empower the careers of contemporary artists, and this is one way we honor all entries we receive. Find out more about the grant program here.