Soleyne Profile: Charles Kiene

Charles Kiene's bio:

Charles Kiene is a digital artist working in Sausalito, California.

About the Pixeltone Images:

One of the great joys of Northern California is the accessibility of its natural beauty, from the Marin Headlands where I live to the rugged coastal terrain and the high Sierras only a few hours drive away, most notably Yosemite. That I live in a place so many people plan their vacations around never ceases to amaze me, and my nature work is a photographic impressionism that draws upon all this while referencing the historical inspirations that formed my artistic sensibilities.

They begin with a single digital image and proceed in whatever direction it suggests. Many are single shots, while others are composites. But they are not invented fantasies, rather an impression of place and mood centering about the initial image, although not necessarily as originally captured. Day can become night and winter can be transformed into spring. But reality is never dismissed. This is essential. The goal with this series is to utilize the computer as an electronic canvas and employ the various digital tools available to transform the image beyond itself into a composition as only imagination can. Aesthetic beauty is paramount in this series as pixels lead the way while being pushed, altered, combined and even fractured by the various toning and shaping methods employed. These are largely photographic images but they are not photos. Every necessary liberty is taken in the service of creating a picture that stands on its own as a unique visual experience.

Brief Biography:

My creative passion began with photography at age 5, but a traditional upbringing in a non-artistic family set this aside and I eventually studied Electrical Engineering. Art was always a magnet during my early adult years in New York City where I frequented the Museums and Galleries while taking advantage of all the performing arts. I became compelled to start painting and eventually quit my job to explore options while taking a formal drawing class at the National Academy of Art. This changed everything and I was soon given a scholarship. Originally trained as a painter and traditional printmaker, over the years I've mixed creativity with various business activities, including most recently graphic design. The work I produce today represents a fusion of the various creative sensibilities acquired from these experiences.

Technical:

These images are printed on Epson Premium Luster paper with wide gamet archival inks for long lasting enjoyment, Properly framed behind glass they have a Wilhelm permanence rating in excess of 100 years.