Tracy Ostmann Haschke

Life Saver
enamel on vinyl
72 x 48 in.

My work is often representational, a cast of characters pronounced through a style that borders on realism, abstract, and impressionism. A visual narrative unfolds, revealing events or moments of happenstance which might characterize various roles of human existence. Dicey and endurance coalesce with clouded psychology noting the possibility of a deeper explanation. Though at times subjects can be inspired by a family member or friend, a specific “who” is not as important as whom or what they represent. These figures begin to appear in rough sketches offering composition solutions that evolve into subjects. Transpired through my search for movement, gesture, and expression, these emerging characters become substantial.

I work in oils, acrylics, and drawing materials, mostly charcoal and graphite. Thin layers of color are overlapped, paint is drawn and sketched vigorously across and up and down as I manipulate the images I see coming through the paint. I am work from rough composition sketches and sometimes photo references. A large mirror is an essential tool throughout my process, allowing me to reference my own features when working with the figure.

Artists who have influenced me throughout my career include Pierre Bonnard, Alice Neel, Max Beckmann, Elmer Bischoff, Joan Mitchell, Gerhard Richter, Isabelle Bishop, and Marlene Dumas.

© Tracy Ostmann Haschke