Michael Simpson continues his rigorous series of color field paintings in his latest show “Chromatic Scale.” These paintings explore and experiment with color relationships and interactions in ways that transcend the physical material, creating a psychological, emotive effect. 

The artist rubs pigment into raw wood, allowing the material’s porousness and grain to influence the texture and saturation of each panel. Each color is improvised and organically mixed, their surfaces vacillating between translucency and opacity. He then assembles 4 panels that uniquely interact and vibrate as a cohesive piece, similar to a musician playing individual notes at once to create a chord.

“Chromatic Scale” is on view at D’Arcy Simpson Art Works from April 29-June 1, with an artist reception on May 6th, 5-8 PM.