The Look of Decadence

Southern Oregon artist Gabriel Mark Lipper describes his recent works as paintings that seduce viewers into an opulent world of decadence and longing. The strength of his colors, textures, and even the positions in which he paints his subjects echos his artistic passions and fresh perspectives. “I like to play with color and I understand the power of color,” says Gabriel. “I studied a painting technique called alla prima which simply means that you paint ‘in one go’–mixing colors and values and place color where you want it once–and quickly. This technique creates a very intimate, vibrant canvas.”

Gabriel’s latest series, “Urban Legends,” embodies his masterful techniques. Looking at his art, it is  powerful and yet at the same time, subtle. There is no mistaking Gabriel Mark Lippert’s artwork. He truly needs no signature.

So what’s next for this young, accomplished southern Oregon artist? Gabriel tells us his pursuit of the decadent will take him outdoors to a Polo tournament where he will be painting the tournament’s observers. In Gabriel’s own words, “I am excited by this project. To paint the faces of people who have attained everything so nothing looks good to them will be exciting for me. Capturing this excess of contemporary culture is the perfect subject matter for me at this time.”

“I’ve always been a bit of a voyeur.  I travel to paint people and places I don’t know yet. I try to look closely and find out how much I can glean from their surfaces.  Hopefully that opens up a door to understanding what’s inside.”

You can view for yourself this incredible talent by visiting his website, Art of Gabriel.

About the Author: Joy Henkle owns and operates White Water Warehouse (WWW) with her husband, Bob Meister. Ever-interested in making their Oregon Rogue River rafting, kayaking, and hiking trips part of a very special Oregon vacation experience for their guests, Joy writes this blog to educate and inform WWW guests and readers about southern Oregon’s fascinating people, places, foods, and festivals. Questions? Joy can be reached at 1-800-214-0579 or fun@whitewaterwarehouse.com Or visit Whitewater Warehouse’s FaceBook page.