“The challenge of always creating something new keeps you vital and young.”
From Madison Avenue to the Canvas: A Journey of Artistic Precision
Allan Gorman, (Instagram: @allangormanart) a contemporary painter based in New Jersey, has cultivated a unique artistic vision deeply influenced by his early career in advertising. Before dedicating himself to fine art full-time in 2013, Gorman honed his craft as an advertising art director at some of the most prominent agencies in the world. Later, he launched and ran his own creative company, where he further refined his sense of design and composition. These years of professional experience instilled in him an unwavering commitment to excellence and an appreciation for meticulous attention to detail—qualities that continue to define his artistic process today.
Gorman’s roots as an artist, however, stretch back much further. From a young age, he displayed an innate passion for drawing and observation. A pivotal moment came in third grade when his teacher praised a grid-style drawing he had created, showcasing it throughout the school. That formative experience ignited his love for creating and sharing art, leaving an indelible mark on his sense of identity as an artist. Gorman’s ability to find beauty in both the visible and the abstract has since been a defining feature of his work, leading to a career that continually challenges boundaries and embraces evolution.
The bold decision to leave the advertising world behind allowed Gorman to immerse himself fully in his artistic practice. His approach to painting is guided by a disciplined work ethic and a sharp eye for design, values that stem from his professional background. By establishing a studio outside his home and maintaining a strict focus during his creative sessions, Gorman treats his art as both a personal passion and a professional endeavor.
Allan Gorman: Exploring Structure and Emotional Depth
Gorman’s artistic style stands out for its exploration of intersections, light, and shadow—qualities that originated from his fascination with architecture and structure. For years, he used photography as a tool to capture abstract compositions within urban landscapes, translating these visual moments into paintings. The interplay of angles, textures, and light in his earlier works speaks to his ability to transform seemingly ordinary details into captivating visual stories.
In recent years, however, Gorman’s work has undergone a significant shift. Moving beyond the external world, he has turned inward, creating what he describes as “imaginary spaces” that stem from the heart and soul. These abstract compositions, while no longer tied to physical reality, carry an emotional weight and depth that he believes makes them feel even more authentic. Through this evolution, Gorman has embraced a new form of storytelling, one that blends his technical expertise with an emotional resonance that connects deeply with viewers.
A striking example of this transformation is his recent painting, Midnight in Harlem. With its muted shades of blue and simple yet evocative composition, the piece conjures a sense of nostalgia and romance. Gorman likens the painting to the soft sounds of a jazz trumpet serenading a quiet cityscape, capturing the mood of his formative years in the 1960s. This work exemplifies his ability to convey profound feelings through minimalist forms, signaling a promising direction for his future endeavors.
The Studio as Sanctuary: Creating Without Distraction
For Gorman, the process of creating art is more than a practice—it is a meditative experience. To maintain focus, he works in a studio separate from his home, treating it as a dedicated space for innovation and discipline. Music often accompanies his creative sessions, setting a backdrop that fosters inspiration and introspection. With his phone silenced and the outside world momentarily paused, Gorman immerses himself fully in the act of painting, finding the process both rewarding and addictive.
While distractions are minimized in his workspace, Gorman is open to experimentation and innovation in his art. Oil paint remains his preferred medium, valued for its versatility and the control it provides. Though he has experimented with acrylics, he continues to favor the familiarity and richness of oils, which allow him to achieve the precise effects he desires. However, his curiosity remains alive, as he has begun incorporating new materials, such as gold leaf, into his recent works. This exploration of texture and luxury reflects his evolving vision, blending his mastery of traditional techniques with bold contemporary elements.
Gorman’s workspace is not only a physical environment but also a mental state—a place where the outside world recedes, and creativity takes center stage. This disciplined approach allows him to push boundaries while staying grounded in his artistic values, enabling him to produce work that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Allan Gorman: Inspirations and Future Possibilities
When it comes to artistic influences, Gorman draws inspiration from a diverse array of creators, past and present. He holds a deep admiration for the pioneers of Abstract Expressionism, such as Mark Rothko, Sol LeWitt, and Clyfford Still, whose groundbreaking works have shaped his understanding of composition and emotional depth. At the same time, contemporary artists like Gerhard Richter, Anish Kapoor, and Sean Scully continue to inspire him with their innovative approaches to design and aesthetics. For Gorman, the most compelling art is created by those who prioritize authenticity over external validation, offering viewers new ways to perceive and engage with the world.
Looking to the future, Gorman is eager to expand his artistic practice beyond traditional painting. His recent works, which incorporate elements of graphic design, have opened the door to possibilities such as sculptures, murals, and large-scale installations. These ambitions reflect his desire to push the boundaries of his creativity, transforming his ideas into multidimensional experiences that engage audiences in new and exciting ways.
A consistent thread throughout Gorman’s career is his ability to balance technical mastery with emotional expression. His willingness to experiment with materials and formats demonstrates a forward-thinking mindset that keeps his work fresh and relevant. Whether through the nostalgic tones of Midnight in Harlem or the abstract designs of his newer creations, Gorman’s art invites viewers to see the world—and themselves—through a different lens.
