Linc Thelen is a prominent American painter and designer known for his multifaceted contributions to the world of visual arts and design. His creative journey spans two distinct but interconnected realms, reflecting his remarkable versatility and artistic prowess.
As a painter, Linc Thelen has made a name for himself with his compelling and distinctive style, which can be described as impressionist abstract. His artwork often features a harmonious interplay of light and shadow, characterized by the delicate layering of paint that imbues his compositions with depth and emotion. Thelen's paintings have garnered attention and appreciation for their ability to evoke a wide range of emotions and interpretations from viewers.
In addition to his achievements as a painter, Linc Thelen has also made significant contributions to the field of design. He is celebrated for his work as a Design Builder, where he has demonstrated a keen eye for aesthetics, a deep understanding of materials, and a strong commitment to creating spaces that seamlessly blend form and function. His designs reflect a contemporary sensibility while maintaining a connection to classical techniques and principles.
Interview by Isabelle Chabrat for Michele Mariaud.
Linc Thelen at work, painting
A gallery talk with Linc Thelen
Michele Mariaud Gallery: In your outstanding journey, you've adeptly navigated two distinct careers: one as a Design Builder and the other as a gifted artist. How do your roles as a designer and an artist intersect, and how do they mutually invigorate one another?
Linc Thelen: Both of these vocations grant me the canvas to explore my creative impulses and to remain in sync with the contemporary zeitgeist. As a designer, I engage with a plethora of materials, much like crafting a finely balanced composition in one of my paintings.
Hamptons Breeze. (2023). Oil and pastel on linen. 54 x 48".
Does your artistic endeavor grant you the liberty to create without constraints, fostering a more intimate and personal mode of expression?
As an artist, I've cultivated efficiency in managing my time. I've been fortunate to enjoy the freedom to infuse my designs with my personal vision, style, and expression, all while keeping my clients' preferences in mind. I believe, at this juncture in my career, I have more to contribute to the realm of painting. It's about connecting with a broader audience and sharing my unique expression.
Doves. (2022) Oil, pastel & charcoal on canvas. 48 x 54”.
In what ways does the influence of the Chiaroscuro technique, which you first honed in the hallowed artistic enclaves of France and Italy, manifest in your current body of work?
These classical techniques have endowed me with the expertise to craft compositions that brim with vitality, leveraging the subtle alchemy of thinly layered paint to orchestrate the interplay of light and shadow in my artistry.
Meet Me Halfway. (2023). Oil, pastel & charcoal on canvas. 48 x 54”.
Your recent artworks have been affectionately dubbed "contemporary impressionism" by our discerning collectors. How do you personally resonate with this classification? Do you concur with this characterization?
I wholeheartedly align with this characterization. I genuinely believe there's no other artist quite like me. I traverse the canvas with a harmonious blend of oil paint, oil pastels, chalks, and pencil, all set against an ever evolving palette of colors and markings.
Yellow Brick Road (2022). Oil, pastel & charcoal on canvas. 48 x 48”.
Could you delve deeper into the fresh artistic directions you've been exploring lately, exemplified in your 2023 piece, "Venice"? Does this signify a departure from your beloved Circles, which were your signature hallmark?
In Venice, the brushwork and composition mark a departure from the circular motifs that once defined my style. Here, the painting possesses a clear reference point, imbuing the abstract with a semblance of arecognizable place. While the circle motif lacks a specific geographical reference, it thrives on expressive brushwork. I'm not straying from my signature style; rather, I'm embracing the spirit of a contemporary artist, continually probing the frontiers of expressive mediums.
Venice. (2022). Oil, pastel & charcoal on canvas. 48 x 54”.
Your long term partnership with the esteemed Michele Mariaud Gallery has been a defining aspect of your artistic journey. What unique value does this gallery bring to you as an artist?"
Aligning with the right gallery is pivotal for an artist's growth. Michele Mariaud Gallery has played a pivotal role in mentoring and nurturing my artistic evolution. Our journey has been marked by mutual growth, a symbiotic relationship where we've both learned from each other. It's hard not to adore MM Gallery, as they have unequivocally been my staunchest advocates on this artistic odyssey. :)
Time To Dance. (2023). Oil, pastel & charcoal on canvas. 43 x 43”.
Linc Thelen at work, designing…(2023). Before
Linc Thelen at work, designing…(2023). After.