Peter Marcus

While looking at these collagraph mixed media pieces the word that jumped out was STRUCTURE. Not only are these pieces consciously, eloquently and boldly structured but, most contain images of structures such as architecture and linear table-like forms. Color contrast is used minimally and effectively to denote focal points and/or fore ground elements (red moves forward while blue moves back).
Each piece has a definite foreground, middle-ground and background. These are created using variations of value, texture and detail as well as placement or relative size. In some pieces a well defined and rendered building is backed by more organic wet or dry lines and textures and overlaid by a linear, high contrast white graphic structure that pops out toward the viewer. Movement is created with repeated shapes, sharp value contrast, placement and line.Both depth and movement are evidenced through the use of overlapping. Marcus uses shading effectively to lend dimension to the buildings and value contrast to define windows, arches, etc. In many pieces fairly plane areas of mid tones make up background while more detailed, defined or high contrast forms come forward. I notice the weight is usually at the bottom of the picture plane.
Marcus masters the connection between his subject matter and materials.
His work demonstrates my first thought of using strongly defined areas of contrast to produce a structured collagraph rich in texture and tone. After seeing his work I feel confident to move forward.
Margaret