Oil on canvas

"The Divided Electorate" is a surrealist oil painting on canvas completed in 2016 that is meant to be a social commentary on the political climate of its day by artist Henry David Potwin.

Born in Dallas, Texas, David Potwin is the oldest of three children. Potwin first put brush to canvas at 8 years old. As a young boy, Potwin's family would summer vacation in Taos, New Mexico. "During our vacation in 1965, I met my first true mentor, Taos artist Eric Gibberd. Eric was a fine impressionist artist who took a strong interest in me. Eric remained a vibrant and reverent influence in my life until his death" says Potwin. After completing 12 years of Catholic school education and under Gibberd's mentorship, Potwin attended the University of Houston Fine Arts program from 1969-1974, studying under William Anzalone and Dr. Peter Gunther with classmate Julian Schnabel. Potwin says: "To list all the great artists who’ve inspired me would be some list indeed. My inspiration and style are drawn from many quarters such as impressionism ,and the great German expressionists such as Otto Dix, and Max Beckman, as well as a nod to pop surrealism. Perhaps conceptual impressionism would be a more precise description. What I continually seek is to refine my vision and my craft. My goal is to create a body of work that is multi-layered and resonates with the public as well as the collector. My subjects range from landscapes, portraits, cityscapes; to those that are personal, idiosyncratic, humorous and socially aware. Many of my paintings, still lifes, landscapes and underwater scenes are meant to be eye candy. At times I feel that perhaps my style is too broad; but then I’m not a one trick pony!" Potwin has experienced times of frenetic creative activity as well as periods when life interrupted his pursuits. In 1994 he was sentenced to federal prison which he describes as the most cathartic event in his life. "This black sense of loss became a lens that focused my innate creative drive to crystalline clarity. During that period of my life I seized the opportunity to light a spark in the minds of a considerable number of disenfranchised individuals as an art teacher. I gave them encouragement and the opportunity to discover their latent talents .Their pride of accomplishment was my reward as well." Potwin now hangs his hat, paint brush and guitar in the South Texas Rio Grande Valley where the warm salt air and diverse demographics continue to inspire him.

H 34 in. x W 42 in. x D 1 in.