Hard edge artist Merrill Moore
Hey Merrill, please tell us something about your background
I am an emerging hard-edge artist who loves color, shape, and movement. I currently paint in my attic studio. Whenever I get the chance! I have two young kids and the past 18 months has put some constraints on my personal time. However, this time provided me with the chance to further explore the “why” things inspire me and how to translate that to a canvas and a color palette. As for my process, I sketch, I play with colors, I edit, I tweak, I paint, I edit some more and finally… I just know when the piece is done.
How do you see art?
I firmly believe that art has the ability to affect one’s emotions and mood. It’s powerful! I strive to create work that allows the buyer to set a “scene” for the space it inhabits – whether calming and peaceful or bright and bold. In a world so full of uncertainty, thoughtfully chosen art provides a constant, without a sense of immovable permanence. That’s the best part of collecting art – being able to reframe a space by changing where our art lives. Our moods change, why shouldn’t our art?
Please explain us your art style
My work is… vibrant, hard edge, and evokes a complex simplicity. As an artist who chooses to combine basic shapes, lines and patterns I can’t afford to have crooked lines or wobbly circles. And there isn’t much room for error when it comes to the color palette. A “wrong” color would be the first thing you see, confusing the piece. I spend a lot of time is spent mixing the perfect shades and tones! Finally, the proportion must also be JUST right! At first glance, my pieces may appear “simple.” However, they are technically demanding, both from a design perspective as well as execution. It’s an exacting simplicity. They have a modern contemporary feel that just cries out for a big empty wall!
What are your goals?
Ultimately, I want people to love the space they’re in! Whether it be an office, a bedroom, a kitchen, or a kids room, where we spend time has never meant more to us. And whatever space you’re in, the art on display should draw out the mood you want for that environment. My goal is to create bold, uplifting, inspiring, sharp-edged paintings that allow art enthusiasts to find that right piece for their space. When someone buys a painting of mine, it’s always my hope that when they walk by it, the painting elicits the chosen mood (motivating, calming, playful) and makes them smile.
Your art philosophy
Before I began pursuing art full-time, I worked as a mental health therapist. I have seen first hand the power our emotions have on life. And I believe the right art, in the right space, can positively impact your life. I understand that colors and shapes can activate different parts of our brain. Perhaps a lively piece in the dining room to spark conversation. Or a serene piece for the bedroom to calm our thoughts at night. Art should enrich our lives. And if you don’t smile when you look at a piece, move it somewhere else in the house! Sometimes changing things around does surprising things to our reaction to a piece.
Final statement
I love creating art. I love all the parts of it – coming up with ideas, sketching, editing, playing with color palettes. And throughout the process, I develop a strong sense of why I’m making this piece. Sometimes the initial idea doesn’t immediately provide that answer. It’s through the work that the answer appears. To this end, whenever possible, I write the new owner a letter about their painting. My thoughts on how it came to be, why I named it what I did, and thanking them for allowing me to continue painting. I get goosebumps every time I think of my work in other people’s homes – hopefully bringing them joy!
Merrill Moore ★ Artist resume
Merrill Moore is a self-trained artist who currently works out of Richmond, Virginia.
Thank you, Merrill.
Instagram: @merrill_moore_artworks
