Artist Terry Crump paints with joyful, optimistic attitude towards life and art. See more of his portfolio by visiting his website.
![abstract painting by Terry Crump](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Dinner-Reservations-acrylic-on-canvas-40x40inches-Terry-Crump.jpg)
“Dinner Reservations” acrylic on canvas, 40″ x 40″
At age ten, I was drawing and painting with abilities that came naturally to me. My artistic goal, at that time, was to become the next Norman Rockwell.
![abstract painting by Terry Crump](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Monkey-Business-acrylic-on-canvas-30x36-Terry-Crump.jpg)
“Monkey Business” acrylic on canvas, 30″ x 36″
It’s amazing how goals may change with the introduction of education and life experiences.
![abstract painting by Terry Crump](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Lucky-Day-acrylic-on-canvas-48x40inches-Terry-Crump.jpg)
“Lucky Day” acrylic on canvas, 48″ x 40″
I attended S.U.N.Y. (State University of New York) Buffalo, and graduated with a BFA in Communications Design. From that time on, I devoted my efforts to create a career in art. I held numerous graphic design positions with companies including advertising agencies, a performing arts theater, several corporate art departments and a teaching job at an art academy for beginning artists.
![abstract painting by Terry Crump](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/All-a-Twitter-acrylic-on-canvas-48x40inches-Terry-Crump.jpg)
“All-a-Twitter” acrylic on canvas, 48″ x 40″
Throughout my career as a graphic designer, when time would permit, I made fine art drawings and paintings in a realistic style. In 1999, I left my final corporate job and plunged into the real world of personal art making. It was an exciting but apprehensive time for me.
![abstract painting by Terry Crump](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Tea-with-Lemon-acrylic-on-canvas-20x24inches-Terry-Crump.jpg)
“Tea with Lemon” acrylic on canvas, 20″ x 24″
At the same time, I set new goals for my fine art. I wanted to develop a personal style that would express my optimistic attitude toward life and art.
![abstract painting by Terry Crump](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Interior-Menagerie-acrylic-on-wood-panel-36x30inches-Terry-Crump.jpg)
“Interior Menagerie” acrylic on wood panel, 36″ x 30″
To that end, I constantly viewed art in galleries, art shows and online for inspiration and to determine the aspects of paintings I really liked the most. I wanted to make the viewers of my work feel the joy in the creative process I utilize.
![abstract painting by Terry Crump](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/News-at-Six-acrylic-on-canvas-48x40inches-Terry-Crump.jpg)
“News at Six” acrylic on canvas, 48″ x 40″
I’ve been influenced by many artists from impressionists to expressionists to pop artists to pure abstractionists. One example is the work of the Spanish artist Jose Merello. I admire his ability to draw and paint expressively, adding abstract elements, creating chaos, then bringing everything together to make splendid works. I also admire Jean-Michel Basquiat’s works based on his life experiences that were filled with raw passion.
![abstract painting by Terry Crump](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Running-of-the-Dogs-acrylic-on-canvas-48x40inches-Terry-Crump.jpg)
“Running of the Dogs” acrylic on canvas, 48″ x 40″
My work is based on my own life experiences, which are very much different from all the artists I admire. I make use of all kinds of subjects to create my paintings. I have no interest in painting them with detailed realism, but make them semi-transparent within a colorful abstract environment.
![abstract painting by Terry Crump](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Red-Bird-acrylic-on-wood-panel-30x24inches-Terry-Crump.jpg)
“Red Bird” acrylic on wood panel, 30″ x 24″
My goal is to create a painting where the painting itself is the only important subject matter. In this way I foster a new and memorable visual reality.
![Artist Terry Crump in his studio](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Artist-Terry-Crump-in-his-studio.jpg)
Artist Terry Crump in his studio
I expect my viewers to find something relatable to them. More than anything, I expect them to feel the joy I feel during the creative process. Some of my paintings are infused with a shred of deeper meaning. I may try to push that aspect more in future works.
Artist Terry Crump invites you to follow him on Instagram and Facebook.
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