1961 marks a pivotal moment in Totten’s career, departing from the subdued desert-inspired color palette that had characterized his previous work to embrace a more flamboyant and adventurous aesthetic, embarking on a creative exploration that resonated with the buoyant spirit of the era. This marked shift coincided with Totten’s deepening engagement with Synchromism, a movement spearheaded by Stanton MacDonald-Wright, under whose tutelage Totten had studied. Drawing inspiration from MacDonald-Wright, Totten absorbed the foundational principles of Synchromism, yet he always approached them as a catalyst for his own distinctive artistic vision.
Totten’s artistic process appears deceptively effortless, mirroring the demeanor of the man behind the brush. Modest, soft-spoken, and gentle, Totten embodied humility in his approach to his craft. Yet, beneath this unassuming exterior lay a profound commitment to his artistry. Immersed in the act of painting, Totten dedicated himself wholeheartedly to his practice, infusing each canvas with a palpable sense of daring and conviction.
To liken Totten’s oeuvre to that of luminaries such as Clifford Still or Edward Dugmore may seem audacious at first glance, however, upon closer examination, one discerns a shared mastery of abstract expressionism and a profound depth of artistic expression. Totten stands shoulder to shoulder with these titans, his capacity to produce profound abstract works attesting to his enduring legacy as a visionary artist.
San Simeon stands as one of Totten’s most compelling canvases, a work that reveals new dimensions with every viewing. Its complexity is elegantly balanced using strong, structural diagonals—dominant lines that anchor the composition while simultaneously organizing a dynamic array of smaller, intricate forms. These forms, characteristic of Totten’s signature style, are carefully placed vignettes, each a moment of concentration that exists independently, yet contributes to the overall harmony of the piece.
The interplay of color across the canvas is particularly striking. In some areas, the colors are flattened, their surface textures restrained, while in others, they flow with a fluidity that suggests movement and change. The lighter regions exhibit a delicate translucency, inviting the viewer to look deeper into the layers of the composition. There is also a distinct earthiness to the color palette, one that speaks to Totten's Southwestern roots, grounding the work in the rich, natural tones of the landscape. This connection to the environment is palpable, yet the painting transcends mere representation, offering instead a dynamic, evolving experience that is as much about color, form, and space as it is about the atmosphere of the place it evokes.