Bright Colors that Cheer the Soul!

Colors are a fascinating subject. Some say they suggest moods.  Some like them bright, some don't like them at all.  

© photo by Alex Colombo - Arcobaleno Pigmenti e Belle Arti Shop, Venice - Italy

A few years back I was traveling around Italy and went to Venice amongst other places. While roaming around the city I came across this very colorful (natural) pigments shop – Arcobaleno Pigmenti e Belle Arti, de Nube Massimo, San Marco, Venezia. I felt very inspired just looking through that lively window, so I went into the shop and bought a whole bunch of them :).  More recently I came across some very colorful artwork from Keith Banner, which reminded me of that fun adventure, so I invited him for a guest interview with us. Keith "loves bright colors that cheer the soul."

Keith Banner - Artist

1. The Moon from My Attic: Please introduce yourself.  I'm Keith Banner, a freelance artist, painter and graphic designer; I have lived in New York City, Nassau Bahamas, Los Angeles, California and am now living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

An exhibition at Toronto Dominion Bank launched my career, featuring oil and acrylic paintings.  I then went on to work in computer generated art, etchings, sculpture and now I design greeting cards for Kab Designs.

My Caribbean background has been a major influence in the use of color and texture, which for me are two of the most important aesthetic considerations. My style ranges from varied ethnic designs to modern abstract art.  

© Keith Banner

I studied at Otis Parson School of Design, Los Angeles Trade Technical College, Pierce College, Los Angeles City College, San Bernardino and Riverside Community College.

I have exhibited for the May Company's Street Gallery (Los Angeles, California), Toronto Dominion Bank (Los Angeles, California),  Lucy Florence Art Gallery (Liemert Park, California), The New Mexico State Capitol Rotunda (Santa Fe, New Mexico) and the Albuquerque African American Performing Art Center.

2. TMFMA: Where do you enjoy doing your creative work? In my studio.

3. TMFMA: How did you get started?  I originally started oil painting and then went on to acrylics for many years. It was not until the 90's when I became really interested in computer generated art. My work continues to primarily be created by way of the computer. 

© Keith Banner

4. TMFMA: What is exciting about your creative work? I would say my color choices.  I love bright colors that cheer the soul. 

5. TMFMA: What's you favorite medium or tool you create with? I primarily work with Photoshop and Illustrator.

6. TMFMA: Do you work by yourself or do you also do collaborative work? I work with my partner, Floyd Schock.

7. TMFMA: Tell us of a fun and creative project or a collaboration, and what you learned from it. I have found after many hours spent on a project and feeling you have it all done and it looks good, stepping back and taking a break is always a good thing because most of the time you find that changes are indeed needed. During this time, talking it over with Floyd, we decide what changes could be made if any. 

8. TMFMA: Where do you like to look for inspiration? My inspiration comes from a number of sources, people on the street, fashion, fabrics, architect, to name a few.

9. TMFMA: Is there a person or thing that has influenced you in your artistic efforts? I would have to say my mother was a really great inspiration as a kid. She too is an artist. 

© ˚eith Banner - The Crayolah-ettes

 10. TMFMA: What are the reasons for you to do what you do? I feel that we all have a purpose, a gift, and I believe my gift is the art of being creative.

11. TMFMA: What are your future aspirations and goals? Floyd and I have a greeting card business and continue to build it, along with seeking licensing activities.