Fine artist Joseph Anderson of Levittown, recently displayed his exhibit, “Fine Horizons” at the Huntington Public Library this past month. Anderson has a true love and appreciation for the outdoors, which is exemplified in his detailed oil paintings. With a positive view of nature, the artist has produced colorful paintings that are aimed at showing viewers the beauty of the world around them.
“My love for the outdoors and nature started as a young child. My family was always going on camping trips and such, and as I grew older, my own appreciation for the outdoors grew,” said Anderson. “As a young kid, I remember drawing mostly animals.”
Anderson’s main focus is on landscapes, but he has also dabbled in still life and has recently returned to his roots to paint wildlife again. In addition to oil, he also experiments with digital painting and photography, believing that one medium can influence another and we are able to learn from all things.
The graphic designer turned fine artist has always focused on drawing and painting, despite having a college background in advertising art. “Taking advice from an art teacher, my intention was to become a commercial illustrator working in the advertising field,” said Anderson.
After working as a graphic designer for a few years, the fervent artist realized that this career path could no longer satisfy his true passion. “In 2002, I had a turning point,” explained Anderson. “I remember watching a documentary on the French Impressionists one night after work and that is what ignited the spark. In 2005, I decided to ‘make a go of it’ and began approaching art galleries.”
Anderson’s exhibit at the Huntington Public Library was full of nature paintings that showed the inherent good present in the world. His art has a calming quality to it; viewers are encouraged to take a few moments to appreciate the earth. So often people take a simple tree or flower for granted, but Anderson’s goal is to make his viewers appreciate nature in the same way that he does.
“I want to do something special with my art,” said Anderson. “I feel it is necessary to show what is beautiful in this world, especially the things that go unnoticed in our fast paced lives. For example, a single leaf or a blade of grass; these are miracles.”
Anderson firmly believes that creativity is a gift from God. By bringing light to the simple “miracles” of our world, Anderson is using his gift to give back to God and help those around him. “I believe we should use our gifts for good — to bring joy to others through our work,” said Anderson. “When we do this, it shows our appreciation for what we have been given.”
While working in the park one afternoon, a by-passer approached Anderson and looked at his painting for a while without saying a word. “She then told me I had a true gift from God and she felt blessed to watch me paint,” said Anderson. “This was a humbling experience.”
With religion fueling Anderson’s passion for nature and his work, viewers are able to see the miracles that surround them each day. With every person that is inspired by his paintings, Anderson’s mission as an artist grows clearer.
Anderson’s work has been exhibited throughout Long Island and he has paintings hanging in private collections. More of his work can be viewed at http://www.joeandersonart.com.
