Colour, uninterrupted

Over a decade of painting by Donald Schenkel

For more than ten years, Donald Schenkel has developed his own techniques for painting uninterrupted colour gradients. Moving gradually from one tone to another, his oil paintings explore how colour and light can create a sense of depth, change the atmosphere of a space and hold our attention.

For one weekend (October 24 - 25), Root Gallery in Krimpen aan de Lek dedicates its ground floor to this distinctive part of his practice. Colour, Uninterrupted brings together large and small paintings, studies and previously unseen works, spanning different periods of Donald Schenkel’s practice at a moment when his work is entering a new phase.

Installation by Donald Schenkel, during his solo exhibition in the gallery in 2021

More than ten years of colour research

A seemingly simple colour transition can take years of experimentation to achieve. Working with oil paint and tools he has developed himself, Donald has continually refined the relationship between colour, surface and light. The transitions are carefully controlled, yet their effect changes with the light and the position from which you view them.

Seen together, the works reveal the range within this sustained research. Different palettes, proportions and surfaces offer different experiences: some paintings draw you in through subtle tonal shifts, while others establish a stronger presence through contrasting colours.

This weekend offers a broader view of Donald Schenkel’s abstract paintings than a single artwork or a small selection at an art fair can provide.

A moment between two phases

Donald’s recent work introduces a more open and physical approach to painting. Smooth colour gradients give way to rougher transitions, visible structures and areas in which the material itself plays a greater role. Control remains part of the process, while irregularity and intuition gain more space.

Colour, uninterrupted is an opportunity to look closely at the research behind that development. Bringing works from different periods together allows visitors to discover connections, notice differences and see familiar paintings in a new context.

Detail of a large installation by Dutch artist Donald Schenkel, showing blue, hand-painted pieces of glass and a detail of a purple colour gradient

Come and look, compare and discover

You do not need to know Donald’s work already, or have experience collecting art. Come to explore the paintings, ask questions and discover which colours and surfaces catch your attention. We are happy to tell you more about the works and help you compare pieces.

For existing collectors, the presentation offers the opportunity to revisit Donald’s colour research and explore works from other periods. For those considering a first purchase, the selection includes smaller paintings alongside larger works, with available pieces offered for sale.

The works will be brought together in this arrangement for one weekend. If Donald’s colour gradients have caught your eye online or at an art fair, this is a good moment to experience a wider selection in person.

Visit Root Gallery on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October, from 13:00 to 17:00. No appointment is needed.

Root Gallery
Molendijk 46, Krimpen aan de Lek, the Netherlands