But form and design are also important elements in Charoon s work. Both have a close up study of flowers against a very mottled and diffuse background. By using colors that are almost complimentary with one another, he creates a contrast as strong as black and white, but with the energy of the colors. This also creates the opportunity for negative space, the effect that happens when small pieces of background color, framed by the foreground subject, suddenly appear to jump forward in emphasis. I asked Charoon about how he feels when he paints.
Light is an important component of color.
Many of Charoon s paintings appear to have been done outdoors, but rarely do we see distinct shadows and bright sunlight. The brightness of the colors is strong enough to collect the available light and send it to us, even on a cloudy or hazy day. Direct sunlight would be overpowering. Charoon s work doesn t need it because it contains an internal light source. I want to be one with the subject, I want to see it with my eyes.