Jim Wodark is inspired by light. His vibrant paintings are studies in divergent values and hues, and he isn’t afraid to experiment to get what he’s after. Of course, it isn’t possible to paint only light, so he allows the contrast and brilliance—or lack of color and shadow—to guide how he uses light to make his paintings come alive. “Light is a huge part of my painting process,” he says.
Wodark creates his subjects with contrasting soft and hard edges that focus on the darks, lights, and values to draw in the viewer. Using a dark value against a light value is one way to attract attention. “If I can manifest what inspires me into a painting, then I can bring that into people’s lives, all while striving to move beyond inspiration to a well-conceived work of art,” he says.
Read the full article in the July/August 2025 issue.
End of the Day
oil
30″ by 40″
Wildflower Breakthrough
oil
24″ by 36″
