Ron Kempton

Having worked as a professional artist since my early teens, my art process has developed into two distinct paths: the technical discipline of realism and the spontaneous freedom of abstraction.

The Realist Process When I paint my large-scale oil portraits, my focus is on precision and presence. I am interested in the architecture of the face and the weight of an icon. These works are created through a patient, layered process, where I use oil paint to capture the exact interplay of light and shadow. The goal is “super-realism”—creating a piece that feels more vivid and monumental than a photograph.

The Abstract Process In contrast, my abstract landscapes and florals are about movement and “action.” Working primarily in acrylic, I move away from the fine detail of my portraits and toward a more visceral, physical way of painting. I focus on building rich, pure colors against subdued backgrounds to create a sense of light glowing from within the canvas. This part of my work is intuitive; I let the paint dictate the rhythm of the piece, seeking to capture an emotion or a sense of place rather than a literal image.

The Connection Whether I am working on a meticulous portrait or a fluid abstract, the core of my process remains the same: I am exploring how color and light can change a space. My work is a balance between control and release, reflecting a lifetime dedicated to the art of seeing.