Roxanne Patruznick

Influenced by pulp crime paperback cover illustrations from the 1940′s, ’50′s and ’60′s, my Crime Noir and Pin up Series explores narrative themes within both a nostalgic and modern context. Inspired by such book cover artists as Robert McGinnis, James Avati, Stanley Meltzoff and Robert Bonfils, I explore emotional extremes in the tradition and context of past storytelling.

Drawing upon my experience in animation and design, I see the power of the single, still image in conveying a much larger story. The image, along with the title, come together to show a dramatic moment in time, a scene from an imagined story. Filled with ambiguity and possibility, it allows the viewer to have an active role in the construction of the story.

The process is very direct. I make sketches and discuss various story ideas with the models, who play a dynamic, collaborative role in the process. Props enhance the communication and theatrics of the narrative. While some aspects, poses and ideas are pre-planned, I make every effort to allow for spontaneity during the modeling session. Sometimes the best moments are the ones that happen between poses.

Bio
I was raised in Los Angeles and have been making art since I was a kid, always drawing, painting, and making up stories. My influences derive not just from fine art, but from such diverse areas as film, music and performance.

I attended California Institute for the Arts for animation and worked in the animation field for a number of years. Animation proved to be a continuation of my education in drawing and design, while at the same time influencing the craft and narrative in my paintings.

Since leaving animation and moving to Portland, I have concentrated on my oil painting. I continue to expand the series and scope of my work, and just recently have made available limited edition prints from my larger paintings in the Hungry Eyeball Gallery.