ARTIST LANA PURNELL

Lana Purnell was born in Ithaca, New York in 1986.  She earned her BFA at Rochester Institute of Technology in 2008, studying illustration and art history. She currently enjoys a wide spectrum of interests from graphic novels to postmodern philosophy.

“It must be love. I am fascinated and entranced by anything beautiful—and analyzing and recording beauty are two very satisfying things! I feel a strong connection to art history and love learning. I am eager to outdo myself and achieve new qualities in each work.” - Lana Purnell    

COLLABORATIVE PAINTINGS with Brett Scheifflee

Statement for the Affinity Works

Our collaborative paintings are an effort to capture an acute attraction to objects in our lives.   We intend the paintings to be an oasis of peaceful and playful introspection in chaotic times. We hope the viewer gleans a positive feeling of any sort: joyousness, nostalgia, relaxation, elation-- we have shown others what we like and why, and hope to pass on a good feeling.  The preparation of the panels and execution of the images are crafted with our highest levels of care and attention, which echo the preservation of our most treasured thoughts.

We work using a process influenced by the Flemish masters.  All of our paintings are executed in oil paint on panel and employ techniques involving under-paintings, glazing, and direct painting. We complete the paintings in multiple layers to achieve a unified surface and color depth.  Neither of us have specific tasks or jobs during the collaboration. The finishing work and under-layers are switched between both of us. We act with an intuitive spontaneity during the planning stages. Colors, compositions, even subject matter are almost chosen on a whim—but absolutely not without purpose.