Chris Gwaltney paints in a lush style, combining areas of abstraction with loose figurative elements.  He experiments with sensuous surface finishes and compiles multiple layers of paint and oil stick leaving traces of earlier markings and drips. 

“You have to trust your gut,” says Gwaltney, “You want to leave enough out to give the viewer space to dive in.  You want to find those marks and color combinations that are innately satisfying.”  Painting for Gwaltney is a way of reflecting on his life and his place in it.  His figures are solitary and reflective, often appearing to be walking forward – through the passages and events that make up our existence.