David Foley

David Foley is a Colorado-based painter known for his energetic, intricately layered landscapes that blur the line between abstraction and realism. While his work may appear chaotic at first glance, it reveals a sophisticated structure rooted in fractal principles—randomness, self-similarity, and variation of scale—all unified by dynamic surface patterns that draw viewers in.

Foley's process is deeply physical and experimental. After underpainting with brushes, he flings, daubs, and manipulates pigment using a wide array of tools, including repurposed plastic knitting needles that offer varying line quality and texture. His paintings are created flat and often viewed from above as he works, allowing for perspective shifts that influence each composition’s evolution.

Art critic Michael Paglia described Foley’s approach as “abstract realism,” noting that while his surfaces are undeniably abstract, his imagery remains grounded in the recognizable world. This tension between the familiar and the unfamiliar produces a sense of awe—an emotional response Foley actively seeks. “People will stand in front of one of my paintings and say, ‘I like this… I really don’t even know why,’” he says. “That’s good. I want them to enjoy looking at it for a very long time.”

Born in New Orleans, Foley earned a B.A. from the University of New Orleans and an M.F.A. from the University of Colorado Boulder. His work is widely collected and can be found in private and corporate collections across the U.S. and internationally, including France, Germany, Australia, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Canada, Israel, and Hong Kong.