Tobacco Suede: A Fusion of Nostalgia, Texture, and Contemporary Abstract Art
Tobacco Suede
Tobacco Suede: A Fusion of Nostalgia, Texture, and Contemporary Abstract Art
Tobacco Suede is more than just a painting—it’s a deeply personal journey through memory, perception, and identity. This original abstract artwork features a striking dual-faced portrait, symbolizing how we exist in multiple timelines at once—one part of us rooted in the past, the other looking toward an undefined future.
At the heart of this piece is a textured fedora, a focal point that holds deep meaning for me. It’s a tribute to my grandfather, known for his hand-rolled cigarettes and signature hats, as well as a nod to a collector friend, captured in a candid moment while traveling in Japan. This fusion of nostalgia and modern abstraction creates a compelling visual dialogue that invites curiosity and introspection.
Collage Art: A Story Told Through Layers
One of the defining elements of this featured mixed-media painting is its richly layered background, built with vintage recipe book pages, classic novels, and mid-century newspaper clippings. Each element was chosen for its historical depth and quiet storytelling, blending past and present in an evocative tapestry of text and texture.
Some of these fragments remain visible, while others are intentionally distressed, creating a textured collage painting that feels both archival and contemporary. I love how these hidden details act as whispers from the past, adding layers of meaning for those who take the time to look closer.
Many of my works are created over weathered sheet music, vintage texts, and ephemera—a process that connects my personal history with my fascination for nostalgic attire, mid-century aesthetics, and the passage of time. Some compositions rely heavily on the text direction and content, while others focus more on the visual rhythm and movement created by the layers themselves.
The Creative Process: Texture, Depth, and Emotion in Abstract Expressionism
Being a prolific artist comes with its own challenges—storage space, the cost of canvases, and the ever-growing collection of creative experiments. One day, I stumbled across an idea rooted in the world of junk journaling, where pages are removed from old books and repurposed into something new. I had a stack of high-quality novel pages that I couldn’t bear to throw away, so I began sketching characters on them.
At first, these figures were lighthearted—characters sipping martinis, enjoying a glass of wine, playfully fragmented in a cubist-inspired style. What started as an experiment soon grew into a full-fledged artistic exploration, and before long, I was scaling up to larger compositions. That’s when memories of my mother surfaced. I miss her, and whether intentional or not, she sneaks into my work often.
Until then, most of my portraits had been inspired by women, but I wanted to expand my approach. I started sourcing male figures, though unknown faces lacked the same emotional connection. Then, I remembered one of my earliest collectors—a friend who had posted a photo of himself in Japan, wearing a fedora. That image stayed with me, and I knew I wanted to honor him while also creating something personally meaningful.
Using collage, acrylic paint, and layered glazes, I built up the surface of Tobacco Suede, applying distressing techniques to reveal glimpses of the past beneath the paint. The textured fedora, designed to evoke the soft richness of suede, was developed through a dry-brush technique and delicate layering, achieving a velvety, time-worn finish.
The fractured planes of bold blues, oranges, and earth tones create a dynamic sense of movement and contrast, reflecting my ongoing exploration of identity and perception. This interplay of color, contrast, and expressive linework invites the viewer to interpret the dual gaze in their own way—turning the painting into an ongoing conversation between artist and audience.
For Collectors: A Timeless Statement in Contemporary Abstract Art
Tobacco Suede is a statement piece for collectors who appreciate mixed-media collage art, abstract expressionism, and contemporary figurative work. Its layered composition, nostalgic elements, and bold visual storytelling make it a standout addition to any collection—whether in a private gallery, creative studio, or modern living space.
If you’re drawn to art that tells a story, sparks curiosity, and evolves with time, this piece is meant for you. Interested in adding Tobacco Suede to your collection or exploring more of my original abstract paintings? Feel free to reach out for availability, pricing, and shipping details—let’s find the perfect piece for your space.
For a limited time, the Pocket-sized artworks are listed at only $25 (free US shipping).
Want to shop my small-sized works? For a limited time visit my shop.
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Robyn Danks - www.DanksyArt.com - Wichita Kansas