Twilight: "‘Twilight' illustrates soft light. Even though the colors are vivid, they are also closely related in value, creating a calm effect."

Who can remember the first thrill of creating something of their own? Why was it so important to have one's crayon masterpiece receive the place of honor on the refrigerator door? The creative process is where I become totally focused, elated, frustrated and alive.

As an undergraduate at Bridgewater State I had the opportunity to explore many artistic disciplines such as drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture and metal work. I knew, even at the time, what an incredible luxury it was to move from studio to studio. It was an Introduction to Silkscreen course that really hooked me. In this process, the components of a design are separated by color and stencils for each color are created and, if properly registered, ultimately produce a total composition. I became intrigued by how dramatically color and value could change the feel of a piece. When I was reintroduced to pastels it felt like coming home. I was seduced by having an array of luscious colors at my fingertips and by the immediacy and tactile connection I had with the work.

Early Morning: "This is a piece about mysterious light. It was done during a period in which I often used a panoramic format to emphasize the expansiveness of the landscape."

I began to draw landscapes. I love the outdoors, and in a dramatic sky, a patch of light on the edge of a bus or a reflection on the water I saw my work as a celebration of the beauty that surrounds us. Initially my landscapes focused on high contrast imagery. Bright highlights and dark shadows created dramatic compositions. Eventually, I also became interested in the nuances of softer light. Recently, though, I continue to be drawn to landscapes with interesting lighting, the apparent subjects of my pastel paintings have become almost secondary to color, their true subject.

Mount Battie (right): "Often, while driving along a highway, I would catch glimpses of interesting scenery and be frustrated by the fact that I almost never could get a truly panoramic view, and even if I could, stopping to take a photo would be a life-threatening proposition. I began to contemplate the possibilities of an aerial perspective. So, I went to a gorgeous area of Maine, hired a plane, and took many, many photos."

Camden Hills 13

Top | Table of Contents | Home