Armand Delatour is a contemporary artist who has made a significant impact on the art world with his unique approach to mixed media art. His work seamlessly blends painting and sculpture, creating pieces that invite both visual and tactile engagement. With a career spanning over three decades, Delatour has established himself as a master of his craft, pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic mediums and exploring the intricate relationships between color, texture, and form. 

Guy Lyman Fine Art carries a selection of Delatour's pieces.

A Journey of Artistic Discovery 

Delatour's artistic journey began approximately 30 years ago, sparked by a chance encounter with the renowned painter Brice Marden at the Fort Worth Museum of Modern Art. This meeting, characterized by humor and mutual admiration for Marden's work, left an indelible mark on Delatour and set him on a path of artistic exploration. Inspired by Marden's minimalist approach, Delatour began to develop his own unique style, one that would come to define his career and captivate art enthusiasts around the world.

The Essence of Delatour's Mixed Media Art 

At the heart of Delatour's work lies a deep connection to the tactile and material qualities of his chosen mediums. His current series showcases his mastery of mixed media art, utilizing oil and beeswax on wood panels to create stunning visual effects. This combination allows Delatour to explore subtle shifts in color and texture, setting his work apart from traditional hard-edged abstraction. The artist's process is meticulous and layered, beginning with a complementary underpainting in thinned acrylic, followed by the application of wax—both hot (encaustic) and cold—blended with oil and turpentine. This technique results in surfaces rich with character and depth, emphasizing the importance of materials and the physicality of the artwork. 

Influences and Artistic Philosophy 

Delatour's work is heavily influenced by the minimalist movement, as evidenced by his encounter with Brice Marden. However, he has taken this influence and transformed it into something entirely his own. Delatour's pieces are framed in dimensional settings, presented as objects with the feel of icons, existing in a space that blurs the lines between painting and sculpture. This approach reflects his belief that the surface and materials are just as crucial as the visual image itself. By creating art that invites both tactile and visual engagement, Delatour challenges viewers to experience his work on multiple sensory levels, encouraging a deeper connection between the observer and the art. 

Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Armand Delatour 

Armand Delatour's contributions to the world of contemporary art are both significant and enduring. His innovative approach to mixed media art has pushed the boundaries of what is possible within the medium, inspiring both fellow artists and art enthusiasts alike. By seamlessly blending painting and sculpture, Delatour has created a body of work that is as thought-provoking as it is visually stunning. As he continues to explore new techniques and push the limits of his craft, Armand Delatour remains a vital and influential figure in the contemporary art scene, leaving an indelible mark on the world of mixed media art.

You can view Delatour's work here at Guy Lyman Fine Art.

Sources:

https://www.artandobject.com/marketplace/artists/armand-delatour