BIO

I began to explore art serioiusly at Colgate University eventually changing my major from Economics to Fine Art. Arriving in New York City I pursued graphic design and advertising. Eventually I moved back to Connecticut and became a teacher of art at Branford High School. Teaching has been richly rewarding and I feel honored to have worked with thousands of students; I currently I am a full-time painter.

SUBJECT MATTER

McColl works are of an free flowing impressionistic style. The work typically explores subject matter of nature or human nature in vibrant and expressive ways.

Garden landscapes depict the every day business of flowers hosting numerous insects busy politnating. Landscapes of various approaches inspire me. The shoreline of the sea or lakes and mountain scapes find a place on the canvas with regularity. I also explore figurative narratives and portrait work. Spiritual or religious expression also finds its way onto the canvas. Discernment is often a part of the proccess, leaving myself open to influence of the Spirit. There are times when the spirit seems gone, inspiration fades and then it starts to feel like work.

IN THE STUDIO

My painting technique can vary from

 Alla prima (Italian which literally means 'at first attempt') and is loosely applied to any painting that is done in a direct, expressive style.

Conversely I can plan out my paintings, sometimes, before I start painting with a brush, working out compositions and color combinations that will most effectively capture the drama of the landscape. So the process can vary from immediate to labored and systematic.

I work with a limited palette typically of 9 colors which I mix into a wide variety of hues and values appropriate and customizing to the scene I am creating.  Typically one can see the texture of every brush stroke in my paintings, since I do not layer or thin my paint with solvent. I do experiment with methods so I don't hold myself strictly to one approach. I enjoy seeing the paint-the depth and movement from the texture.