Tom Owen’s work is an exploration of color, light, and perception. Based in Newport, Kentucky, his paintings feature bold, geometric shapes and bright colors that fill the entire canvas, inviting the viewer to engage with the subtle interplay between hues.
Using vinyl flashe emulsion, a highly pigmented, water-based paint, Owen applies multiple transparent layers, creating a rich depth of color that shifts depending on the light. His work, evolving from organic shapes to more structured compositions, draws inspiration from urban environments, focusing on the optical qualities of color and how it can be experienced. In his Gradient series, Owen examines how color transitions and intensities can be manipulated to create a deeper emotional and visual experience, making each piece feel both dynamic and meditative.
This thoughtful manipulation of color doesn’t just create a visual impact—it offers a more immersive experience, urging viewers to look closely and reflect on the ways in which they perceive their environment. Owen’s distinctive use of color and light is what sets his work apart, offering a fresh take on the intersection of minimalism and bold visual expression.
His paintings invite contemplation, encouraging a deeper connection with the colors that shape the spaces we inhabit. With every layer, his work transforms, revealing new aspects of perception with each glance, making his paintings not just objects of observation, but gateways to a more profound experience of the world around us.
