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Certain images may inspire us to wonder, to ponder, to dream. Such are the works of Joseph Bixler. There is often an imposing aura of fantasy about these pictures, a peculiar sort of realism defying time and place. Whether by chance or by design, these images transcend reality in a unique and provocative way, rewarding our patient scrutiny. 


The work shows a pronounced affinity with the past, in technique as well as in subject matter. The paintings are done in oil on canvas or wood panel. Mr. Bixler normally employs a variant of the ancient "bistre" method, in which images are painted and modeled in monochrome before color is applied by glazing.  In glazing, successive layers of oil paint, rendered transparent by the use of a varnish medium, are applied to the monochrome subjects.  Depending upon the colors used, the degree of transparency, and the number of layers applied, the image gradually assumes a deep, luminous, and nuanced coloration.


Mr. Bixler resides and paints in Los Angeles. He received his formal art training from the Art Institute of Chicago.


RECENT WORK

Feastday

This large panel depicts a diverse group of revelers on a festival evening.  The left side of the painting is focused on a horn player, fully exposed to the evening breezes but receiving little attention from the crowd..  Her fellow hornist follows, to the delight of a youth and a somber, banner-waving citizen.  Somewhat in the path of the strolling musicians stands a jester armed for battle who sends a hostile gaze toward a gaily dressed lady holding a golden chalice.  She in turn seems quite suspicious of a rather melancholy chap playing a psaltery. Above, an amorous peasant couple are keenly regarded by a nearby parson, while two gentlemen, one clearly quite agitated, observe a mysterious Amazon queen who hovers above them all.

The right side of the panel shows a  knight in full harness who regards the scene with wry amusement, while a cadet beside him seems to take no interest at all.  Above him, a mailed retainer bears a fortress on his headgear, while the saintly lady to his right, dressed for a warm evening, protects a child in holiday dress. Beneath a loggia a pious gentleman devotes his entire attention to his book, while a screeching griffin and a pensive pierrot look on.  Several ladies and their attendants are guarded by an exotic warrior while two musicians below provide festive music.  In the midst of it all, a recumbent blue sphinx with royal pretentions casts a weary glance our way.  A bewildered scholar attempts to make sense of the revelry while nearby a large armor-plated personage draws attention by shouting and display of wings.  Meanwhile, night is falling on everyone.




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