Artists Statement - Abstract Realism
To paint it you must experience it. The energy, the light, the feel of the landscape cannot be replicated unless you have been there and become one with the scene. The abstract designs and random patterns in nature call out to be captured in large interlocking shapes with colors pushed to the edge or in soft shades of pastels to capture the sublime. Painting is an adventure, seeing with the artist eye is a never ending journey through time and place.
Curious and restless by nature coastal fishing harbors with weathered shacks and boats beckon as do distant, unfamiliar and foreboding shores. The adventure of experiencing and capturing the raw, unspoiled beauty of the landscape is the magnet and driving force behind the paintings.
Oblique shapes, diagonals and rhythm result in paintings with energy, emotion and a unique style. Abstract realism is created from within through spontaneity and movement. One quote from a favorite teacher is “Great Art is not made by timid people. Paint like you are rich and just go for it”. Working with reckless abandon at times and from within that special zone brushes and knives take on a life of their own and the painting often creates itself.
Formal education with a BS Degree From Penn State and graduate work at George Washington University and the State University of New York was in Business Administration rather than art. Desiring to be in control of her own destiny rather than a starving artist dictated the career path. Over 30 years in the fast lane in Washington with Managerial oversight of Procurement, Contracting, Administration, IT, Labor and Employee Relations with several major agencies enabled her to travel extensively and experience many walks of life. Home was the rural countryside of Virginia with weekends spent along the coast, sailing on the bay or in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Formal studies in art were taken at the Torpedo Factory (Alexandria, Virginia); the Delaplaine Academy, (Fredrick, Md); The Leesberg Academy (Leesberg, Va.); The Yellow Barn Studio (Bethesda, Md) and the Hilton Head Art League Gallery (Hilton Head,S.C.)
After retiring from the Federal Government painting and the pursuit of subject matter have guided the travel and adventure. Traveling with her favorite artists and mentors is now a reality. With Walt Bartman of the Yellow Barn Studio she has painted the South West’s Deserts, the Pacific Coast, the Geek Isles, Sicily, Spain and Elbow Key. With Charles Gruppe she has painted the Amalfie Coast, the South of France, Tuscany and the Algar Coast of Portugal. With Ross Merrill of the Smithsonian, Bob Gamblin, Wolf Kahn, Ron Ransom, Tom Lynch, Susan Sarabeck, James Kerr, Ted Jordan and others she has had the opportunity to study and paint across the country.
Recipient of several awards from the Beaufort Art Association’s Spring Show, the Hilton Head Art Leagues Student Show and the Fairfax County Spring Show.
Winters are spent along the Southern Coast on Dataw Island and summers in Belfast, Maine, on the Penobscot Bay. Both offer a pleuthorough of subject matter. Lobstering along the Maine Coast provides timeworn boats, fish houses, light houses, rocky shores and crashing waves. The hunt for shrimp boats, seaside shacks along with southern cabins and old plantations with moss covered oaks provide the winter challenge.
Galleries:
The Working Art Gallery, Belfast, Maine
The Beaufort Art Association, Beaufort, S.C.
The Hilton Head Art League, Hilton Head, S.C.
