Drawing inspiration from the Arizona desert scenery, artist Jeff Ferst paints vibrant and textural landscapes, as well as whimsical and delightful deconstructed works in color. Visit his website to see more.
“The Good Life” Oil and Pastel on Canvas, 60” x 40”
I am a colorist. It drives what I do and how I interpret the world around me. My art is an integral part of who I am, and my art is inspired by the desert landscape I call home.
“Desert Splendour” Oil and Pastel on Canvas, 40” x 60”
They say things happen for a reason. A few years back, I discovered Arizona. I had never been here before. I was living out east and felt a calling to come out here. I had been painting vibrant colorful work for a long time but I never felt I made a true connection to it.
“A Song for the Arizona Sky” Oil on Canvas, 60” x 40”
Then I came to the desert and I discovered my heart and I was home. The landscape here, the big sky and the light, the beautiful light here, drives me forward.
“Sonoran Sunset” Oil on Canvas, 48” x 72”
I paint intense sunsets which are buttery and textural–full of color and thick layers of paint.
“Which Way the Desert Wind Blows” Oil and Pastel on Canvas, 60” x 60”
I also paint deconstructed landscapes which I call “stories from the desert.” In them I use color and form to represent elements from the Sonoran Desert landscape–whimsical paintings that are full of life.
“Botanica” Oil and Pastel on Canvas, 60” x 60”
These abstractions represent my newest series of work and are still evolving.
“Evening Approaches” Oil on Canvas, 48” x 18”
Over the years, I have always had a yen for not only creating art but also in making my art available to a wider group of people. That’s why I went into licensing some of my work about ten years ago.
“Look West and Wonder” Oil on Canvas, 48” x 18”
Since then it has evolved into a variety of items from reproductions, to clothing, shoes and home décor accessories. This does not diminish my art, but instead allows me to make my art accessible to more people who can now enjoy it on a pillow or a tee shirt. Some may call this commercialism. I call it smart marketing.
“Slice of Life” Oil and Pastel on Canvas, 24” x 24”
So where do I go from here? Who knows? I will always have a passion to create new work. Painting is my life blood so I always see myself doing that. Lately I have been experimenting with ceramics and mosaics. Perhaps I’ll have a go at public art. Murals and sculptures intrigue me.
Artist Jeff Ferst invites you to follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
Love the rich color. Have you ever seen Hundertwasser’s work? You would love it.