William Phelps Montgomery creates abstract artworks using the PaintBook iPad app, which he then augments using Adobe software on computers. He works in a spontaneous, chance-based style inspired by surrealism and the I Ching. While he formerly worked primarily with physical media like oils, he now finds digital tools like PaintBook and Photoshop offer greater freedom and variety. He exhibits his works in galleries and art fairs internationally.
2. Archival Prints
The images included here were made using
the Apple iPad app ¡°PaintBook¡± soley using an iPad as the tool
then augmented with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop with Apple computers
PaintBook is an app designed by Mr. Sean M Puckett, a registered trademark of Apple, Inc.
Mr. William Montgomery, 1301 Shipley Rd., Wilmington, Delaware 19803
H. 1.302.762.1812 ? C. 1.215.350.2282
wmontgomery@abstractfineart.com ? http://www.abstractfineart.com
? 2010 William Phelps Montgomery ? Abstract Fine Art.com
11/23/2011
3. About the Application
Paintbook has changed the way I work. I enlarge these works and exhibit in galleries and large art fairs in
Miami and elsewhere. The vector architecture makes this a very powerful tool. Coupled with the Data service
on the iPad I can work almost anywhere. I find myself working often while waiting for events. The Doctor, a
train, plane or while my wife shops and reads every label in the store.
Statement
My work revolves around chance operations as in Surrealism and the I Ching.
For me, the idea that life is something which one can not foresee, the same rings true with my art. I prefer to
work with no preconception, plan or design most of the time. Sometimes a series based on previous iterations
develops. I find a compilation of nature and the cosmos in my work. For me, this is an adventure which leaves
me amazed with wonder often. Where did it come from, how did I arrive here. To direct a chance encounter into
something more calculated and polished is a process I enjoy.
Views on His Work
It was very clear to me as a young child that I liked to paint and make things with my hands. I became serious
about making Fine Art, during high school and have continued to the present. Since 1970 I have been painting
and sculpting, with presentations, in one man, two person and group exhibitions. I began my involvement with
the computer, exploring Auto Cad in 1991. I immediately realized that although it was a very powerful tool,
it lacked the freedom and expansive ability to work with not only photographs, 3D digital objects but also, to
simply paint in the virtual realm, which was my main calling since finger painting as a child.
I am currently working with the application Adobe Photoshop as my anchor program, coupled with ArtMatic
Pro and ArtRage Studio Pro. I find it an overwhelming challenge to comprehend and keep up with our software,
hardware and worldwide communication upgrades. It is wonderful and yet amazing how we are constantly chal-
lenged to import and store more data into our minds. If I can keep up with one tenth of one percent of all these
developments, I feel fortunate and this is probably a very generous estimate.
I am often asked whether I am still working in my studio with the oils, acrylics or watercolors and I must say
that the computer has changed my life in a very profound and positive way. The paints readily available and I
could start in five minutes, although the new challenges offered through the use of this tool are simply different.
The new tools are also, far more sophisticated than anything I have ever worked with and allow me to produce a
far superior and varied array of Art work. I do plan to set-up a new painting studio in the future. There is some-
thing important about that process as well. The paint is actually wet, tactile and the product has physical prop-
erties unlike anything possible with the computer. So for me, it all boils down to the fact that it all matters and
makes a difference. The most important thing, is to make it, regardless of what it looks like. The act in itself is
the part that counts. It makes life worthwhile.
Additional Information
Please feel free to visit my web site for more information about the differnent types of printing which is utilized
curently for these pieces.