Rory Wagner's often-large canvases are not painted, they are rubbed layer upon layer upon layer, until there is depth in skin tone of his often historic, frequently mythological figures. His self-taught technique has been called revolutionary and innovative, but don’t suggest such haughty words to Wagner.

“The painting process I use may be unique. I have never actually known any ‘academic’ methods. Call it lazy, arrogant, or just plain stupid. I paint exactly like I draw...even using an eraser. Innovative? No. Desperate? Yes. I think...” he writes.

Minutia and detail are evident in Wagner’s work. In “Strength of a Woman” (pictured here), thousands of tiny paint dots were applied with a double aught brush to get the beadwork historically accurate on the young Sioux Woman, wearing her tribal dress circa 1860-1870. A well-researched detail copied from an actual museum garment, typical of Wagner. She wears earrings made of silver, bone, and Russian polychrome beads circa 1850. Her face is painted white, the color of purity and her elbows jut forward, hands at her neck as if she is holding the yoke of her dress. Her arms are strong; veins atop sinewy muscle are evident beneath the skin. Behind her in the background are the eyes of Honor de Balzac from a sculpture by Rodin. Balzac appears to be crying tears of blood.

Sorrel Sky Gallery has represented Wagner since 2002. The gallery features new and limited edition works by the artist who says his work is surreal. Wagner’s work is not surreal like Dali or Magritte. It is not fantastical or grotesque, though to some it may seem bizarre. It is highly unique and perhaps even visionary


At Sorrel Sky Gallery, art is more than visualit touches the soul. Sorrel Sky Gallery is located at 870 Main Avenue in Durango, Colorado. Telephone the gallery at 970-247-3555 or toll free at 866-878-3555, or email. View all of the Sorrel Sky Gallery artists at www.sorrelsky.com.