Colleen Randall's Impasto Paintings Evoke Volcanic Lava at The Painting Center

From March 1 to 26, 2005, Colleen Randall showcased her abstract paintings at The Painting Center in New York. Her artwork, characterized by thick, layered impasto, evokes the smooth texture of Pahoehoe lava, in stark contrast to Anselm Kiefer's rough Aa surface. Randall employs a variety of paint techniques, layering everything from delicate washes to bold acrylics, resulting in vivid colors that blend cool tones with warmer accents. Forms reminiscent of crystals in magma emerge, mirroring a creative process similar to sedimentary layering. Although her pieces possess an atmospheric essence, some are overwhelmed by excessive colors, suggesting a need for refinement. Her influences include the abstract tradition and Impressionism, linking her to Renoir's Le Moulin de la Galette.