Blue Series 1997

My work is always changing and has evolved radically from my earliest work to what I am
currently painting. I have always followed my intuition, but it takes a certain bravery and
belief to abandon a series that might be lucrative to chase a new idea.

Sometime in 96-97 while working in oils I reduced my palette once again to just blues. I
didn’t feel like I had the connection and ease with blue pigments that I had with red and
yellow. I remember understanding the subtleties between red and yellow pigments and
the varying shades, tones and tints of the pigments, but I didn’t feel the same with the blue
hues. I decided to limit my palette to blue. I was still derivative of Sam’s free, broad stroke
style, but I was working to try and get more intent with the brush while turning a weakness
into a strength.

Bakersfield Museum of Art.
“Bryan Ida : Life of Change: A Retrospective”
September 28th, 2023 – January 6th, 2024