Art Brokerage: Jon Carsman was born in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania in 1944, and he grew up surrounded by the Appalachian Mountain Range with its lush woods and forests. Carsman found the source of his inspiration in the play of color and light reflected across the framed houses streets and countryside of small town America. Jon likes to be in the woods at springtime to capture its arrival. His paintings synthesize realism and fantasy. To quote the artist, "I want, with the woodland scenes, to create certain phenomena that take place in nature. I want to paint wonderful pools of water with shimmering reflections." Carsman's paintings reflect the resurgence of American realism in art. Realism is not an identifiable technique or style but an attitude, a view of the world that offers perception without artifice. Realism examines and represents the subject without isolating it from its surroundings. The everyday reality that Carsman paints is a selected experience For the layman, subjectivity is a condition of perception. Our preconceived ideas of reality have clouded our objectivity in viewing reality. The artist's vision, especially the New Realist vision, make the relationships as simple and direct as possible. Color is an important factor in Carsman's work. His pallet is vibrant and intense. Often his work is reminiscent of Roualt's brilliant stained glass church windows. Carsman isolates strong areas of color in juxtaposition with dark outline, the colors become chrystalized motifs with a sparkling jewel like quality. Color is the greatest emotional factor in painting and Carsman uses this device very successfully. Carsman paints broad areas of vivid high-key tones with a surprising effect that creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.