T O N Y   T E A L

My work is representational. It's not that I'm trying to record every detail, but rather it's more about capturing a sense of place and making an emotional connection. I work in oil because this medium allows me to create contrasting layers of rich color for violet skies and the hazy glow of urban lighting in the nocturnal cityscapes.

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Over the last decade, I have focused on creating nocturnal cityscapes. As a Nashville native, I focused on my hometown. However, over the last several years, my spouse and I have traveled across Europe. I have just finished several works highlighting the city of Berlin.

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​I love cities at night when the sky is dark and muted.  It appears in varying shades of violet – especially on an overcast night. The city lights reflect up into the sky, which casts a ghostly effect over the streets. The shadows, which are everywhere, sparks curiosity and a sense of the unknown. Painting is a way for me to pay homage to my surroundings, the architecture as works of art, and acknowledge the mystery and uncertainty of life along with glints of hope.