David Imlay
David Imlay’s approach to painting draws influence from twentieth century American Contemporary Realism as well as Photorealism which both emerged in the Late 1960’s and early 1970’s. Artists such as Robert Bechtle, Richard Estes and John Register utilized the straightforward approach to representation which continues to be widely practiced in these post-abstract eras.
In his paintings of downtown streetscapes, freeway overpasses, empty diners and phone booths, the artist asks the viewer to make a personal connection to stillness and isolation. His usage of warm light and limited color are meant to conjure an emotional dissonance tinged with nostalgia and hope.
"I try not to be too specific in my work and choose commonplace subjects that we see everyday but don’t necessarily ponder over. A cafe, phone booth or overpass-these are all places we’ve been to or seen before and can easily relate to."
Born in Southern California and raised in San Juan Capistrano David first became interested in art at an early age. He was fortunate enough to have the encouragement and support of his family-including his grandfather, Theron Imlay, a renowned Southwest Oil and Pastel Artist in the 1970’s.
David moved to San Jose in 1995 where he studied Illustration at San Jose State University as well as Lorenzo De Medici in Florence, Italy in 2000. He graduated with a BFA in Illustration in 2001 and currently resides in San Francisco where he now works as a freelance Illustrator and Fine Artist.
