From Code to Canvas: My Artistic Journey
At 39, after selling my company, I faced a profound identity crisis and severe depression for nearly seven years. A friend suggested I give painting a try as a way to "learn something worth remembering". Having always loved the art form, I embraced the idea. I started painting on January 1st, 2015, with a goal to create one piece per day for that year. The next year I did a larger one each week. This disciplined practice became a lifeline, offering immense therapeutic value. It was a quiet, deliberate act of creation that not only mirrored the problem-solving I loved in engineering but also helped save me. This experience is a core motivation for starting the Conru Art Foundation—to promote art as a powerful, healing form of expression.
Painting, much like coding, is an iterative process of refinement: you start with a rough sketch, build it up layer by layer, and continually refine until the vision manifests. Because painting requires a significant investment of time, the very act of choosing a subject becomes an exercise in observation and love. I find a unique solace in this creative act, free from external pressures. Oil painting, for me, is a powerful medium for storytelling; deciding what to paint, what details to include, and how to compose a narrative within the artwork is what truly brings these pieces to life and makes them personal. Every painting holds a memory, a moment, a conversation. My art, often a reflection of the human condition, aims to explore the depths of emotion, the dignity in everyday life, and the sometimes-controversial subjects that shape our shared existence.
My engagement with art is deeply intertwined with what I've come to call Restorative Rehumanism. I believe that true art, meticulously crafted and infused with genuine human feeling, can serve as a powerful counterpoint to the fragmentation and isolation of modern life. It's about more than just aesthetics; it's about reconnecting us to Beauty, Truth, and Love—values that such works can embody, giving them life. This means honoring the dignity of the individual, embracing technical mastery, and seeking a spiritual transcendence that heals and unites. In a world often consumed by superficiality, I aim for art that offers profound reflection and a return to our shared humanity.
This philosophy isn't merely academic; it's a lived experience. It's the synthesis of my engineering pursuit of optimal solutions and my personal quest for meaning. My paintings, whether exploring controversial subjects or simply the quiet beauty of a moment, are my attempt to demonstrate that art can, and should, contribute to a more connected, empathetic world. It's a way of giving back, not just financially through the Conru Art Foundation, but through the very act of creation itself.
A Glimpse into My World: The Paintings
Scenes of Humanity and Social Commentary
These works often delve into broader societal themes, from the quiet dignity of everyday moments to the raw emotions of our contemporary world. I strive to tell stories that resonate, to provoke thought, and to find the humanity within challenging subjects.
"Anything Helps" is a painting exploring the poignant reality of homelessness, where people are walking by, creating a silent narrative of observation and human connection. It's an attempt to capture a fleeting, yet profound, interaction. Source photo by: TED S. WARREN | ASSOCIATED PRESS.
This painting, simply titled "Distress," focuses on the raw human emotion of not being fully present, a feeling of being overwhelmed. It's an exploration of internal turmoil made visible.
"Homeless and Dog" aims to humanize the experience of homelessness by highlighting the powerful bond between a person and their pet. It reminds us that even in the toughest of lives, companionship brings dignity. Source photo from an article on fox13seattle.com.
Similar to "Homeless and Dog," this painting focuses on the individual experience of a homeless woman, seeking to portray her humanity and resilience without judgment. Source photo from Jon Vachon's SmugMug gallery.
This painting, which I often call "Brothers in Arms," captures the intense emotions of young men protesting for what they perceive as injustice. The wedding ring on the man on the far left is particularly compelling to me, highlighting the personal lives and families sometimes overlooked amidst public unrest. It's about finding humanity and conviction in moments of collective action.
Part of a series exploring themes of homelessness, "Under the Bridge" depicts a solitary figure, emphasizing the isolation and resilience found in overlooked spaces.
Reflections of My Parents: Worth and Reva
My parents, Worth and Reva, instilled in me a lifelong work ethic and a practical approach to life. Their influence runs deep, shaping my own understanding of purpose and resilience. These portraits are my way of honoring their enduring spirit and the profound impact they had on my journey. They are the bedrock upon which I built everything.
My father, Worth, was truly the "Groove Master." He held a philosophy that to find peace, you must become attuned to your unique "groove" or calling in life. Once you do, life unfolds as it should. This painting captures him in a poignant state, reflecting the depth and character of a man whose humor and steadfast presence shaped my early years.
This painting captures my mother, Reva, on our family farm, which you can see in the background. Her practical clothing hints at her nature, while the careful rendering of the plants—with their large and small leaves—represents my deep maternal love. It's a tribute to her resilience and the vibrant life she cultivated.
A self-portrait of the artist, Andrew Conru, in his studio, offering a glimpse into his creative environment and process.
Portraits of Connection and Inner Worlds
My portraits are an attempt to capture the essence of individuals, often those close to me, or to delve into the complexities of identity and inner states.
This painting focuses on the hands of my wife, Nonie. While not a formal sign, the intertwined hands form a circle, a universal symbol of wholeness and unity. It's a message of connection—a visual language of empathy, reflection, and shared understanding.
"Feeling 2020" captures that collective sense of unease and disorientation many of us felt during that pivotal year. It's about the human emotion of being a bit off, reflecting a shared experience of uncertainty and introspection.
This piece is my rendition combining two works by the artist T. Schierenberg. It delves into the internal conflicts and choices we face in relationships, akin to the feeling of "Should I stay or should I go?"—capturing those poignant moments of indecision.
This is a portrait of my older brother, Kevin, who's eight years my senior. When I painted this five years ago, I aimed to capture his spirit. It's a testament to the enduring love we share, a happy "cheers" from canvas to viewer.
"Good Morning Cleo" is a tribute to my 15-year-old Labrador. I wanted to capture the pure joy and unwavering devotion she'd bring every morning when she came to wake me up. It's a reminder of those simple, beautiful connections.
This piece captures my brother-in-law, Andy, and their dog, Sansa, on a beach in Michigan City, Indiana—the hometown where I grew up. It's a simple scene, but it evokes a sense of place and the comfort of family.
Figurative Explorations & The Unseen
Sometimes, the canvas becomes a space for pure figurative study, exploring form, light, and the subtle nuances of the human body in motion or at rest. Other times, it's an opportunity to delve into deeper philosophical questions, like the intersection of humanity and technology, or simply the joy of capturing a lively spirit.
"Elephant" is a direct attempt to capture the monumental presence and beauty of this creature, with a particular focus on details like the brass adornments. It's a personal challenge to bring a sense of life to the canvas.
"In Her Own Image" is my contemporary take on classic allegorical paintings, like those by Bouguereau. It explores the idea of creation and influence, with figures who could be interpreted as angelic or mechanical, whispering to a central subject. It prompts a question: are we influenced by AI, or are we the ones creating it in our own image?
"Izzy Jumping" captures the boundless joy and pure happiness of a friend's dog in mid-air. It's a vibrant, energetic piece that celebrates the simple exuberance of life, a testament to the uncomplicated happiness animals often bring.
Explorations in AI-Generated Art
In 2023, I began an exploration of AI-generated models as a source of inspiration. It was a fascinating journey to see what could be created by blending my own artistic sensibilities with the outputs of these new technologies. These pieces represent some of that work.
"Dancer" is a study based on an AI-generated model. This painting explores form, light, and a specific mood, blending classical portraiture with this new source of inspiration.
"Sparkles" delves into a more stylized and glamorous aesthetic, using an AI-generated model as a starting point for a character study.
"Flower Woman" integrates natural elements into a portrait inspired by AI, blending classical themes with a contemporary artistic process.