Artist Statement 2006

“A few strokes by her paint brush can capture for all time a poignant moment, a daring lyricism, with the certitude of a poet’s fine eye.”  Elizabeth Ann James, art critic

I realize through my experience painting landscapes, figures and still life that these genre compose the fabric of our lives.  I struggle to capture the essence of each, which contributes to the fabric of our society.

In painting urban and country vistas, I paint the ordinary and the historic places.  The scene becomes important and poignant, creating a memory.  I like the dynamic tension created by these vivid contrasts in the way we live.  When painting “plein aire”, I visually listen to the landscape that surrounds me.  Immersed in it, I become one with the landscape.

Since I must manage the constantly changing light on a scene, I often start by painting quick oil sketches on board, canvas or paper to capture the light and provide a visual reference.  My brush and palette knife move swiftly to capture the light across the composition. As the light changes, I complete one oil sketch and begin another. 

My sketches become the source for future paintings.

Travel energizes me.  I travel throughout Columbus and Ohio, searching for painting opportunities.  I also paint scenes from my travels in North America and Europe.

I learn from each painting that I create.  My knowledge grows as I continue to study art at Columbus College of Art and Design and art history through participating in the Docent Program at the Columbus Museum of Art.

In Columbus, the Sharon Weiss Gallery in the Short North at 20 East Lincoln represents me.  The gallery always has a selection of paintings reflecting the various genres in which I work.

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