2017-11-032017-11-031979-08August 197http://hdl.handle.net/10388/8254In this paper I propose to investigate several concerns that can be found in some facets of contemporary art, namely the use of illusion and the use of color as an adjunct to illusion. Further, I intend to develop a meaningful dialogue about my current paintings and discuss the specific concerns of illusion and color as they apply to the paintings. I believe it is necessary to describe my own growing awareness of, and subsequent involvement with, illusions to portray accurately my use of them in my current body of paintings. Therefore I will develop this paper through the following steps: 1. A brief description of my cultural background, because it has a direct bearing on both the form of my paintings and the choices of color for them. 2. A discussion about specific works by Ellsworth Kelly and the reasons why they are of interest to me. 3. A description of several of my own paintings and the concerns inherent in them. 4. Concluding remarks.Thesis