Horizonal Abstract Artist: Unlike pure "plein air" and realism painting, whereby an artist paints in the open air surrounded by the hills, woods, or horizon which may be the painter's subject matter, the horizonal abstract painter paints from within. Typically, painters of abstract subjects step away from the literal landscape of nature and tap into imagery created within their mind's eye. Often, the ensuing works are evocative of their personal feelings and individual experiences and interpretations of themselves.

Shane Townley’s evocative work is found in private, corporate and gallery collections worldwide. At once realistic and surrealist, Townley’s abstracts and landscapes, are readily recognizable by a striking three-dimensional texture, high horizons, and rich earth tones in most cases mixing oxides of actual rust and patinas. His distinctive, minimalist style depicting the pastoral world combines with thick tactile texture to convey both austerity and hope.

Currently, Townley’s schedule takes him back and forth from New York to California as he juggles art exhibitions, gallery appearances and his own galleries in San Clemente and Laguna Beach, CA. Townley’s work is most readily visible in other prestigious galleries in New York City, Laguna Beach CA, Austin TX, Nashville TN, and Wilkes-Barre, PA.

“The only thing that is real in this world are the natural elements,” says Townley, describing the inspiration for his oeuvre. “Art is like capturing a moment in life. With feeling and emotion art comes to life.”