Many painters use a grid to transfer drawings to the canvas. Rather than hide this artistic tool, Stelios Pupet takes it a step further. The Greek artist uses grids to construct both figures and landscapes with squares of different hues, highlighting how color can create forms.
While this system appears organized, Pupet says that he cannot always predict how a piece will turn out. “Starting from the grid, I create and choose shapes during the process, color them, change them, etc., without having a clear plan,” Pupet tells My Modern Met. “Everything happens during the process, so there is a surprising feeling, which I like.” Although the pixelated areas are noticeable, he also blends the geometric sections with a traditional approach to painting.
The softened effect of the grid gives these compositions a peaceful, almost dreamlike, atmosphere. There are no harsh black lines delineating the forms, so the eye follows the panels of colors—all of which have hues that go harmoniously together. “The theme of my artworks is mostly figurative, and sometimes with women in ‘mysterious’ poses. Other times, I focus on nature and animals, with a tendency to distort reality,” Pupet adds. “My main focus is on creating a nice image, different or contemporary, and easy on the eye.”
You can purchase prints of Pupet’s paintings via his online store, and keep up to date with the artist’s latest works by following his Instagram.