Joseph DeLong possesses a businessman’s sensibility, work ethic and drive while, at the same time, enjoying the freedom of creativity and lifestyle of the artist. Maintaining a strict 8 to 5 schedule, DeLong works assiduously throughout the day on pieces he paints from his own photographs. The resulting style is arguably cleaner and “more real” than photo realism. Joseph DeLong’s Western subject matter comes truly to life through a technique the artist himself refers to as “photo-realistic impressionism.” A skilled graphic designer for many years, DeLong’s artwork is detail-orientated. Each project begins with the composition of a photograph with elements such as body angles, shadow and light and props in place. Staging his art in this manner enables DeLong to be anatomically correct with every detail true-to-life. “My collectors are sophisticated,” he says, “there have been times when they will point out to me the particular brand of saddle or jeans I have painted. I want everything to be correct.” Using oil as his typical medium, DeLong then paints from his photograph. He says he loves the versatility of oils, using it in unorthodox ways – like watercolor – to achieve translucency. It is Delong’s special technique with oils that allows him to achieve his rich depth of leathers, the contrast of colors in silver spurs and the visible power of the horse. “Painting Western subject matter is fun,” the artist says, “there is always a story to tell.” And tell a story he does – in a way that invites the viewer to become part of the painting. DeLong places no faces in his art, allowing the collector to situate him/herself in the scene. Even though the art is initially visual, the painter seeks to awaken the five senses. He wants the viewer’s imagination and nostalgic memory to awaken a broader range of sensual experience.