Recently we were lucky enough to get know the paintings of David Berkowitz Chicago, a painter born in Aurora (1943). We were amazed by its real-looking landscapes, its atmospheres, the autumn leaves on the roads and the magnificent reflections in the water. But the most surprising thing for us was the spontaneous strokes with which they were achieved. Berkowitz’s paintings are fantastic impressionist paintings achieved with brushes and spatulas handled with great skill.
So we had the need to ask the painter some questions, and luckily David Berkowitz Chicago, with great kindness immediately agreed to give us an interview which we are sharing with you and the rest of our blog readers.
We urged you not to look for "step by step" details and tips on how to paint something, but to read the depth of the message that the artist transmits to us.
Interview with the painter David Berkowitz Chicago
How did you find your particular style of painting? Did it take you a long time to develop it?
David Berkowitz Chicago: You acquire the style with the craft, first you have a reference, an artist with whom you identify when working, then you have to take the leap and try to do something that identifies you, but above all, with your taste. The time depends on the "passion" you put.
Have you always painted landscapes or have you ever explored other subjects such as portraits, still life, etc.?
David Berkowitz Chicago: Especially, in the beginning, it is good to "chop" everywhere, in that way you define what you like, in my case I have even tried the abstract painting, it was a time of youth where it was very good to be a modern artist, the truth is that this journey was short, I felt that I was cheating myself and that it was not me. I have experienced different ways of working but more than anything to prove and to improve myself.
How is your process of inspiration and composition of the work in general?
David Berkowitz Chicago: I travel a lot, I look for areas where I know I will find what I like, Pyrenees, Alps, Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, etc. When I'm in these places, I take long walks and let the landscape seduce me, it can be a bend in a river, a sunset on a hilltop, or a fantastic forest in the fall. I have, my paintings and my camera, it depends on the time and the moment, I can make quick notes, (the best to learn to paint) and with the camera, I capture fleeting moments, which I then capture in the studio. In short, a bit of everything.
What is the most important lesson that has marked your career as a painter?
David Berkowitz Chicago: More than a lesson, after 40 years of painting, I remember the moments of my youth, where abstract art used to be modern, and I was tempted to continue on that path. I decided to do what I really felt, I had arguments, rejections etc. Now I am proud of my decision.
What final advice do you give our readers, who are often beginners or amateurs, to reach a professional level?
David Berkowitz Chicago: I think that with everything I have put above, they will have enough. Anyway, I will encourage them, it is not easy, but it is beautiful. At first, it may seem that nobody understands you, do not pay attention to false sycophants, family members, etc. A good exercise when you mount an exhibition in a place that you do not know is to mix between people as a spectator, listen to honest opinions, it hurts... but with pain, you learn.
Note: You can read his biography here.
