Abstract painter William John Costello uses vibrant color, texture and energetic motion to grab the viewer’s attention. Visit his website to see more of his portfolio.
![abstract painting by William John Costello](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/William-Costello-Accurate-oil-30x30-1.jpg)
“Accurate” oil, 30″ x 30″
Call me an “Eyewitness” to artistic effort.
![abstract painting by William John Costello](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/William-Costello-Conundrum-oil-30x30-1.jpg)
“Conundrum” oil, 30″ x 30″
Let me explain. I have attended fifty-one Ann Arbor Art Fairs since I graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1970. I missed one due to cancer treatment. My wife grew up in Ann Arbor, so she has been to more fairs than me! The Ann Arbor Art Fair is a four-day event and is the largest juried art fair in the nation.
![abstract painting by William John Costello](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/William-Costello-Epiphany-oil-30x30-1.jpg)
“Epiphany” oil, 30″ x 30″
It features more than 1,000 artists and spans 30 city blocks. I have walked past tens of thousands of pieces of art. Consequently, I have learned a few things.
![abstract painting by William John Costello](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/William-Costello-Flourish-oil-30x30-1.jpg)
“Flourish” oil, 30″ x 30″
The rare piece of art that causes me to stop and to say to myself, “That is distinctive!” usually elicits my congratulatory words of praise to the artist.
![abstract painting by William John Costello](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/William-Costello-Kaleidoscope-oil-30x30-1.jpg)
“Kaleidoscope” oil, 30″ x 30″
After I retired from my profession and a subsequent business career, I took up art to make a little money. Of course, my goal was to make something distinctive.
![abstract painting by William John Costello](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/William-Costello-Felicity-oil-30x30-1.jpg)
“Felicity” oil, 30″ x 30″
It mattered not whether a person liked or disliked my art—I just didn’t want anyone to be ambivalent about it. Additionally, I wanted my art to be dramatic, energetic and exuberant. The center of a room. Art that is exciting, colorful and dynamic with movement.
![abstract painting by William John Costello](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/William-Costello-Antique-oil-30x30-1.jpg)
“Antique” oil, 30″ x 30″
From being in health care I learned to be meticulous. The business world taught me organizational skills. My art reflects those two paradigms.
![abstract painting by William John Costello](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/William-Costello-Peace-oil-30x30-1.jpg)
“Peace” oil, 30″ x 30″
My first consideration is color. I select a color palette that is simple and efficient. Next, I give considerable thought to movement; so, I use curves and diagonals to guide the viewer.
![abstract painting by William John Costello](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/William-Costello-Storm-oil-30x30-1.jpg)
“Storm” oil, 30″ x 30″
Next, I think about tone. Contrasting elements are critical in achieving my object of creating an engaging piece that demonstrates vigorous movement.
![abstract painting by William John Costello](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/William-Costello-Dancing-oil-30x30-1.jpg)
“Dancing” oil, 30″ x 30″
In the end I finish with an image that is an abstraction but structural, not random. I don’t rely on “happy little accidents” as the wonderful Bob Ross would say.
These are all interesting. My favorites are Conundrum and Flourish.
Distinctive is right!! Your art stands out and I love art that stands out. Of course, I am a color freak and your pieces are packed with bold colors. New fan. If I had to pick a fave it would probably be Epiphany. It has a simple yet bold pop art feel. Minimalist Pop Art? LOL. That piece appeals to me at first glance because it “registers” in my eyes the quickest. Hope that makes sense.