Gordon Studer is a remarkable artist whose work transcends the boundaries of traditional illustration, inviting viewers into a world of abstract expression and emotional storytelling. With a background as an award-winning commercial illustrator, Studer’s art is characterized by earthy tones, bold graphic elements, and a strong narrative cadence. His unique style speaks to the liminal experiences of life, capturing interstitial moments and dreamscapes through deliberate forms painted in black against a palette of ochre, sky blue, and crushed clays.
Studer’s artistic journey began at Penn State (United States), where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. His education laid the groundwork for a successful career in commercial illustration, where he spent 25 years telling visual stories for Fortune 500 companies and major media outlets. His time as an educator at the California College of the Arts further enriched his understanding of visual communication and artistic expression.
Reflecting on his transition from digital illustration to fine art, Studer shares, “Being one of the first digital illustrators, I was working with a completely new way of illustrating. The early digital programs were crude, requiring me to break forms down into geometric shapes to create images. This process taught me how to abstract real subjects in order to effectively communicate ideas.” He emphasizes that the two most important elements he carries over from digital illustration into his fine art are abstraction and layering. “I build my paintings with many layers, much like in Photoshop—only in painting, there’s no undo button.”
Studer’s approach to art is rooted in the philosophy of taking risks. He believes that a painting often reaches a point where bold moves are necessary to disrupt the status quo. “I’m always looking for random accidents that happen as I work—they’re always better than anything I could plan,” he explains. When a piece isn’t working, he has no hesitation about going in boldly, even if it means covering a favorite part of the painting for the sake of the whole. “It becomes a new beginning, with traces of what was, now reimagined in a fresh way.”
A recent example of this philosophy in action occurred when Studer began a painting with the intention of covering most of it up. However, as he worked, something unexpected began to emerge. “I slowed down and followed where it led. Within an hour, I had a completely new, finished painting—one that I loved,” he recalls.
Studer attributes much of his artistic inspiration to his upbringing. Growing up in various college towns, he was surrounded by intellectual energy and cultural experiences. His mother, an art enthusiast, introduced him to museums, igniting his passion for art from a young age. Meanwhile, his father’s background in architecture and behavior science fostered an environment of curiosity and support for his artistic pursuits.
One vivid childhood memory that stands out for Studer is the time he wandered off at the Museum of Natural History in New York City, becoming completely absorbed in the exhibits. “This experience of wonder and exploration continues to influence my work, as I seek to evoke similar feelings in my audience,” he reflects.
Currently, Studer is showcasing his work in a solo exhibition titled “SURGE” at the Julie Nester Gallery in Park City, Utah, running from February 1 to 25. His artistic practice remains deeply intertwined with his past experiences as a designer and illustrator, employing layers and forms in his paintings that mirror the digital techniques he once mastered.
For those interested in exploring their own artistic journeys, Studer offers workshops designed to inspire creativity and encourage risk-taking. His dedication to helping others discover their artistic voice reflects his belief in the transformative power of art. “In my workshops, I encourage participants to step outside their comfort zones and experiment with new techniques,” he states.
As Gordon Studer continues to evolve as an artist, he remains committed to exploring the delicate balance between risk and creativity, inviting viewers to engage with the emotional narratives woven into his work. To learn more about his art, workshops, and current exhibitions, you can visit his website or follow him on Instagram. Through his journey, Studer exemplifies how embracing risk and drawing from past experiences can lead to profound artistic expression and innovation.
Photo credits: The photographs are from the artist’s archive.