Artwork
My art explores the process of arranging - and rearranging - our lives.
As I wrestle with this theme, I'm working to create art that reflects the lives we create, as we continually add, subtract and compose the many parts of our being. Doing so can be slow, and even painful, as self-doubt tries to creep in and take us off track. Ultimately, through this process we create compositions for our lives that are wondrous, beautiful and inspiring to those around us.
My art incorporates elements of gestural, abstract and expressionist styles. Currently, I'm primarily working in mixed media, creating nonrepresentational compositions recognized for their visible paint strokes and fractured, multi-layered appearance.
The resulting art reflects the layers of our lived experiences; the bonds we form, break and repair; and the passage of time.
I live in Cottage Grove, MN. I studied art at Morningside College in Sioux City, IA and graduated from Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, MN.
I love to keep in touch with people interested in my work through social media: look for me at www.facebook.com/jeff.ambroz.art. On Instagram, I can be found at jeff.ambroz.art
St. Croix Autumn - Mixed media on canvas
Living within a 15-minute drive of the beautiful St. Croix River, nature's inspiration is never far from me. The autumn leaves and the patterns created by the sun among the tree tops inspired this piece. Measures 40"H x 30"W. (Sold: Private Collection - Minnesota, U.S.A.)
Afternoon (Warmth Series): Mixed media on canvas
Titled "Afternoon," this piece evokes warm sunshine in the outdoors. Created with acrylic paints and papers applied to canvas on a stretched frame. All sides covered in materials; frame as you like or leave unframed. A square piece, it measures 20" x 20." Sold - private collection (Minnesota)
Skywater: Mixed media on canvas
Few things are as beautiful as a reflection of the sky on ripples of water. This mixed media piece was created with acrylic paints and tissue papers applied to canvas. The piece may be framed as you wish, or left unframed as the materials cover all sides for a clean, finished look. Measures 40"W x 30”H. Sold - Private Collection - Minnesota
Mississippi Ice Rhythms: Mixed media on canvas
From a Minnesota vantage point, looking across the Mississippi in wintertime, the eyes are mesmerized as the cold waves break and re-form while the frigid waters move southward. Mississippi Ice Rhythms was created with acrylic paints and tissue papers applied to a canvas frame. May be hung horizontally as shown, or vertically: both options show the same breaking action in the cold Mississippi waters. Measures 18" x 24" and available for purchase at $210.
Reflections I: Mixed media on canvas
Reflections on water fascinate me. The many colors that ripple, appear and disappear across the surface are a delight to the eye. Reflections I was inspired by these stunning visual effects created by nature. It was created with acrylic paints and papers applied to a canvas-wrapped frame. Measures 12" x 16". SOLD - Private collection, Minnesota U.S.A.
Moonrise: Mixed media on canvas
Imagine the moon as you look upwards, rising above you, through the treetops. Moonrise was created with many layers of acrylic paints, oil pastels and tissue papers applied to canvas. The piece measures 9" x 12" and is available for purchase at $105.
Cloud Water: Mixed media on canvas
Dream-like clouds reflected in water, dancing across the surface. Measures 8" x 10." Sold - private collection (Minnesota, U.S.A.)
A Dream Some of Us Had (Royalty series): Mixed media on canvas
"A Dream Some of Us Had" measures 40" x 30". This painting incorporates layers of warm, peachy pinks and golds with blacks, whites and grays. The overall effect is one of peaceful, focused confidence. The color selections are purposefully unusual, and this piece looks regal and amazing against a very wide range of wall colors. Created with acrylic paints and papers applied to canvas stretched on a rectangular frame. Materials extend over all sides, so there is no need to frame the piece unless you like. (SOLD - Private collection, Minnesota)
Songbird & Poet (Royalty Series): Mixed media on canvas
This painting suggests the beauty of a bird in flight, and how we seek to express its beauty through words and art. Created with painted papers applied to a canvas frame. Materials are applied to all sides of the gallery-wrapped canvas, so no need to frame immediately, unless you like. Measures 18" x 24" and available for sale at $210.
Confidence (Royalty Series): Mixed media on canvas
Titled "Confidence", this is a mixed media piece created with acrylic paint and paper, on a frame of stretched canvas. Dense, visible brush strokes direct the eye and create a strong, dignified presence. Measures 24" x 36". I personally prefer the vertical presentation, but this piece was designed to hang either vertically or horizontally. Available for sale at $300.
Remember When People Sent Letters? (Ancient Series): Mixed media on canvas
Measuring 24" x 24", this striking work was created in black, white and gray. The piece communicates energy, vitality, motion and activity. Created with acrylic paints and papers on a frame of stretched canvas. The composition extends around all sides of the canvas, so the piece may be left unframed. (SOLD - Private collection, Minnesota)
Good Things to Come: Mixed media on canvas
The title says it all: this piece is full of colorful and fun pieces of visual information. A departure in style for me, but an extension of my processes and techniques. Piece was created with acrylic paints and papers applied to a stretched canvas frame. May be framed if you like, but you may wait to do so if you wish because the materials cover all sides for a clean, attractive presentation. Measures 18" x 24" (SOLD - Private collection, Minnesota)
One Last Line: Mixed media on canvas
Bright and bold, "One Last Line" is a mixed media piece, created with papers, acrylic paints and watercolors. My signature layering effect is strongly present in this artwork. The piece may be framed as you wish, or hung on the wall immediately because the edges are gallery-wrapped with the art extending to all sides. Measures 16" x 20" and for sale at $180. This piece was selected by Custom House as a "District Spotlight" art work (Downtown/Lowertown) for the Fall 2016 Saint Paul Art Crawl catalogue.
Fading Back and Forth: Mixed media on canvas
What do we hide, and what do we reveal? Fading Back and Forth was created from 20 smaller pieces applied to 1 larger canvas. This mixed media artwork incorporates paperboard, paper, acrylic paints and oil pastels into the larger composition. The overall effect is hypnotic, and reminiscent of a tile wall or kaleidoscope. Ready to hang, all sides of canvas finished. Measures 20" x 16" and available for purchase at $180.
Focus & Refocus: Mixed media on canvas
Just by changing the direction of your gaze, you can find yourself immersed in a new universe. Focus & Refocus was created with many layers of painted tissue papers, acrylic paints and metallic waxes applied to a canvas. And, if you look closely, you can see the sparkle of finely crushed coal within several of the red paints. Once the composition was complete, the black paints were then sanded with fine sandpaper to reveal portions of the various layers. One of my largest pieces currently available for purchase, Focus & Refocus measures 30" x 40." For sale at $350 US.
No Way of Knowing: Mixed media on canvas
No Way of Knowing is a graphic work featuring bold gestural marks in red, white, gold and cobalt blue against a nearly black background. This work is primal, with a very modern yet timeless visual presence. The piece was created with painted papers applied to a stretched canvas. The materials cover all sides, so framing isn't necessary unless you like. No Way of Knowing measures 24" x 36" and is available for purchase at $300.
Garnet Sea: Mixed media on canvas
Imagine diving into an ocean of swirling red water. Garnet Sea was created in various shades of red, and will add colorful, dramatic impact wherever it is displayed. Materials are applied to all sides of the canvas frame, so the piece may hang as is, or be framed as you like. Measures 24" x 36" and priced at $300. Its dimensions make it perfect for above the sofa or mantle.
Candlelight IV (Candlelight Series): Mixed media on canvas
The candlelight series is created with the colors of fire, and explores the magic and peaceful feelings that take shape as we gaze into a flickering flame. This particular piece is titled "Candlelight IV". The composition was created so that that the piece may be displayed vertically or horizontally, depending on your space. Paint extends on all sides of canvas; no need to frame unless you like. Measures 20" x 16". Available for sale at $180
Candlelight III (Candlelight Series): Mixed media on canvas
Larger-scale, square abstract on canvas for your wall. Titled "Candlelight III", this piece is colorful and thought provoking. Paint extends around all sides; no need to frame unless you like. Measures 20" x 20". For sale at $200.
Sunshine Orbits: Mixed media on canvas
Imagine a day at the beach, in the bright sunlight. You close your eyes, and the sunlight still dances in front of you. "Sunshine Orbits" was created with acrylic paints and papers applied to a canvas frame. Ready to hang now, or have the piece professionally framed. Measures 12" x 16" and available for purchase for $140.
Sunset Orbits: Mixed media on canvas
Just 8" x 10," this smaller artwork packs a lot of visual punch. Created with acrylic paints and papers applied to canvas on a frame. Ready to hang, or frame as you like. Offered for sale at $90.
Afternoon Orbits: Mixed media on canvas
Color, excitement and detailed brushwork to delight your eye. Created with acrylic paints and papers applied to canvas on a frame. Measures 8" x 10." Sold - private collection (Minnesota, U.S.A.).
Midnight Garden: Mixed media on canvas
A garden in the middle of the night is a mysteriously beautiful place. In this piece, teals, peaches, reds, sages, golds and bronzes dance across a matte black background. "Midnight Garden" was created with acrylic paints and papers applied to a canvas frame. Available for purchase at $120. Measures 12" x 12."
Warmth (Warmth Series): Mixed media on canvas
Mixed media on a frame of stretched canvas. Titled "Warmth." The layers of paint create significant movement within this piece, offering playful energy and vitality to your wall. May be displayed horizontally as shown, or vertically. Measures 20" x 16". Available for sale at $180.
Monday Flame (Candlelight Series): Mixed media on canvas
Measuring 36" x 24", this piece is made from acrylic paint and paper on a frame of stretched canvas. Titled "Monday Flame", this artwork invites the eye to travel and find delight among the many dancing brush strokes. My initial preference was to hang this piece horizontally, but it has been exhibited in both a horizontal and vertical presentation. Sold - private collection (Minnesota, U.S.A.).
Stillness of Remembering (Ancient Series): Mixed media on canvas
Dramatic and uplifting, this piece invites your mind to wander and get lost in the world created through the overlapping brush strokes. Titled "Stillness of Remembering." Acrylic paints and papers on a frame of stretched canvas. Measures 24" x 18". Sold - Private Collection - Minnesota, U.S.A.
Sky (Royalty Series): Mixed media on canvas
A watery, sky-like composition of cool, flowing colors. Measures 12" x 12". Because all sides are painted, this piece may be displayed as is, or framed in the materials of your choice. Available for sale at $120.
Maintaining the Relationship: Mixed media on canvas
Connecting, expanding and retreating are the concepts explored in this work. Maintaining the Relationship was created with tissue paper, acrylic paint and ink applied to a gallery-wrapped canvas. Because the materials cover all edges, the piece may be hung as is, or framed as you like. Measures 30"H x 40"W and available for sale at $350.
Alignment: Mixed media on paper
Colorful and powerful. Titled "Alignment." Various layers of painted papers create this composition. Presented in a square pine frame with a white mat. Image measures 4.5" x 4.5"; measures 12" x 12" with mat and frame. For sale at $120.