Blake Morgan: Observations
Artist and USAO Professor of Art Blake Morgan has recently completed a collection of artworks for a solo exhibition titled ‘Observations’. The exhibition, to be held at Art Wrecker Studios this Saturday, June 20th, showcases a subtle, yet powerful evolution of Morgan’s style; featuring a collection of landscape paintings created between 2024 and 2026 that challenge viewers to move past casual viewing and engage in deep visual contemplation.
While some of the pieces in the collection were created locally, others were created during a six-week sabbatical in Costa Rica, where Morgan hiked through the mountains painting raw landscapes.
“There’s a common theme, and that’s observation,” said Morgan. “As the title says, it’s really about engaging - looking as a way to explore your own mind.”
For viewers familiar with Morgan’s earlier work, ‘Observations’ marks a distinct stylistic departure. Over the last decade, Morgan has transitioned from traditional figures and landscapes toward increasingly abstract landscapes characterized by a heightened emotional and technical scale.
The artist notes that while the shifts might not be instantly obvious to a new viewer, the level of intensity in his paint application, brush-strokes-and focus has escalated drastically.
A central philosophy of the exhibition is the blur between reality and perception. Rather than offering literal depictions of nature, Morgan blends physical landscapes with artistic liberty, asserting that memory, imagination, and sight are inextricably linked.
“Imagination and observation are inseparable in many ways,” Morgan explained. “Your mind can find interesting things in a landscape. Observation is an intellectual endeavor."
In a fast-paced digital world, ‘Observations’ is intentionally designed as an exercise in patience. Many of the featured works are paintings completed layer by layer; slowly as Morgan repeatedly returned to the same environments. Morgan hopes the audience will match the time he invested in the canvas with their own time spent in the gallery.
“These are not paintings that can just be glanced at,” Morgan said. “Many may take them that way at first – ‘okay, that’s a tree, that’s a pond,’ whatever. But these are paintings that need to be looked at closely, with a little time spent. I’d like people to take a few minutes and observe them, just as I did.”
The exhibition will be held at Art Wrecker Studios, 222 W Chickasha Ave, on June 20th from 5 – 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
About Art Wrecker:
Art Wrecker Studios is an innovative space for artists to bring their best work to Chickasha, Oklahoma. Dedicated to fostering artistic expression through all genres of art, this creative space pushes the boundaries of what art truly is. Art Wrecker Studios is a haven for students, professionals, and anyone that dares to think outside the box.
Contact: Hannah Thompson | 405-574-1362