My practice in the workshop begins with meditation to provide a sense of quiet mind and enthusiasm. Approach has its own principle and presence has its own substance and both are integral and consequential to embrace blank canvas or sculpture. A clear attitude of openness to the unknown is available.
A foundation of respect for the materials and craftsmanship is foremost as the practice evolves and work comes underway.
The initial application of shapes, color and composition are laid down. In that moment response takes place and the process enters an array of decisions based on intuition. Presence to the work then, is all.
A freedom arises in the doing, as choices with overlay of color and form will be made with liberty of all possibilities. The abstracts and figurative work do not attempt to represent nature but rather to convey an essence of their own visceral reality. My intention immersed in creative experience is to arrive at a harmony and truth of work and provide a vehicle of communication. Motivation includes space, gravity, action, light and time, universal properties that coalesce to supply the energy to begin with conviction and continue the process with focus.
As the work nears resolution it has become a collection of layered moments in time laden with emotion and spirit. Now as final nuances become certain, clarity and prudence of touch is imperative, yet these consummate strokes resonate all that is there, forming a conclusive work.
While the work develops, hours or days may pass, but at some point in time acceptance occupies the mind, a sense of gratitude and fulfilment pervades, and a final thought occurs, the experience has drawn to a close, a portion of the mystery is revealed and the work is whole and complete, let it be.
Born in Philadelphia, Alfred Ortega studied painting and sculpture at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Ortega’s work is currently represented by the Atlantic Gallery, Nantucket and Millésimé Philadelphia. Ortega has exhibited at the Woodmere Museum and Twenty-two Gallery in Philadelphia. The artist’s work is represented in the permanent collection of the Pennsylvania State Museum and in private collections.
Noted for his bold use of color, Ortega’s paintings and oil prints emanate primal energy. His prominent, large canvases reveal a dynamic world populated with vibrant forms and figures barely contained within their frames. A master monoprint maker, Ortega’s vivid oil prints of figures, landscapes, and portraits are animated by an unabashed freedom of form and color and a daring love of life.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA
Four Year Certificate and Awarded the Franklin Watkins Grant
West Chester University, West Chester PA
Philosophy
Musee du Louvre, Paris, France
Musee d Orsay, Paris, France
Musee Mailol, Paris, France
Rijks Museum, Amsterdam, Holland
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, Holland
Prado Museum, Madrid, Spain
Tate Gallery, London, England
Pennsylvania State Museum, Harrisburg, PA
2023
CSM Art, Chatham, NJ
Faces and Such, Look Listen Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Fellowship Exhibition, Rosemont College, Rosemont, PA
In Search of Something More, Da Vinci Art Alliance, Philadelphia, PA
2022
CSM Art, Chatham, NJ
David David Gallery, Palm Gardens, FL
2020
Atlantic Gallery, Nantucket, MA
Ligne Roset Gallery, New York, NY
Millésimé Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Sofitel Hotel, Philadelphia, PA
2019 - 2016
Atlantic Gallery, Nantucket, MA
Ligne Roset Gallery, New York, NY
Millésimé Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
2013 - 2015
Atlantic Gallery, Nantucket, MA
Chestnut Hill Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Artist’s House Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
2011 - 2012
Atlantic Gallery, Nantucket, MA
Chestnut Hill Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Ligne Roset Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Knapp Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
2010
Galeria Paspartu, Barcelona, Spain
Ligne Roset Gallery, Miami, FL
2007 - 2008
Twenty-Two Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
2005
Marchesani Gallery, Drexel Hill, PA
1998-97
Raab Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
1992
Rosenfeld Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
1987
Kerby Lane Gallery, Austin, TX
1985-84
Giannetta Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Woodmere Art Museum, Philadelphia, PA
Millersville University, Millersville, PA
Pennsylvania State Museum, Harrisburg, PA
Susquehanna Museum, Susquehanna, PA
Woodmere Art Museum, Philadelphia, PA
Gallery D Este, New York, NY
Pennsylvania Academy Museum, Philadelphia, PA
