CRAIG EBEL - charting the imagination : : : The world of art is huge, big enough to lose yourself. Ebel finds himself roaming throughout the realm of the creative pursuing a compulsion to discover esthetic ways to document his unique perspective of our home planet. With the beauty of Colorado as a lifelong inspiration, Ebel has studied art, established a successful career as a graphic designer, and created imaginative paintings for over 30 years. Presently he is mapping out a concept that zooms in on random painted patterns to find compelling thumbnail sketches which are then transposed into larger compositions built on canvas. Layers of collage and acrylic paint are added until a rich texture and intricacy is achieved within each original piece. The results range from pure abstract impressions to exotic view-from-above sensations like those of Mother Earth - incidental patterns managed by a deliberate design. : : : Maps evoke a sense of travel, adventure, and even history while documenting a portion of the planet's surface. Ebel's map-like compositions explore the outlandish geo-characteristics of the thumbnails he discovers. Utilizing a very wet technique, he works with only partial control of the final outcome. The results are somewhat unintentional, but every texture, color, and form allows for an opportunity to transcend the 2-dimensional plane and bring depth, emotion, and even a surreal quality into the painting. In a shrinking world crawling with art styles and agenda, Ebel simply lays down compelling visuals meant to strengthen the human bond and represent an intrinsic common ground that we all share. : : : Ebel received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Northern Colorado. Most recently he has completed a showing at the Alcove Fine Arts Gallery in Boulder Colorado.