Traveling the world and exploring the interplay between "natural representation and man-made lines and color patterns" inspired The Search for Subatomic Realism, an exhibition of paintings by artist Frederick Doar P'12, now on display at the Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum at Claremont McKenna College.
Doar, parent of CMC student Ricky Doar '12, is a gestural expressionist artist practicing in Sausalito, Calif. The artist paints mostly abstract works with heavy emphasis on bright color, noting, "My color choice is a critical one."
Working on large canvases, he employs short, quick gestures to convey movement. As a self-taught artist, Doar cites Pollock, DeKooning, and Rothko as his most significant influences.
For abstract works on a grand scale, finding the appropriate environment to display such pieces can prove challenging. "Once you take them out of the studio," Doar shares, "it's very difficult to find a home for these paintings where they won't dominate the room. The Ath offers the ideal environment to display works of this size and composition." With this series of paintings, Doar notes that he was truly "freed from form," and that he uses the series to explore his theory of universe creation.
When Doar first began to paint, he filled his house with his own paintings and used his children and his children's friends as first audiences. He is looking forward to having his art viewed by students at CMC for the same reason, noting that "young people don't hold back their excitement, or their criticism."
Before pursuing art, Doar was part of the business sector. He is the former CEO and owner of Grace Baking Company. He made the switch to art only a few years ago. "Before, it was spreadsheets, media, and marketing, and now I'm using the other half of my brain."
His business background has affected the creative process, too, as Doar remarks, "What's popular and what's going to sellthat's not what the artist should be concerned with. It is important for me to have true intentions."
The Search for Subatomic Realism is open to the public and can be viewed from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday in the Security Pacific Dining Room at the Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum, 385 E. Eighth Street, Claremont. The Athenaeum may be closed to the public on holidays and for scheduled events.
Additional information about the artist and his work can be found at www.frederickdoar.com. All of the paintings in the exhibit are available for purchase through his Web site. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Claremont McKenna College.
Emily Meinhardt 10