Artist Statement
 Born in West Virginia, I have always been drawn to nature and the arts. My paternal grandmother was an artist whom I remember only through her art. I found in school, art was promoted as a craft more than a profession. As a young woman, I was constantly camping, hiking and fully experiencing nature at her best. As a young mother, I found painting a great personal outlet. My career that began in the 1970’s led me to 30 years in Hotel Sales, Marketing and Catering both in Charleston, West Virginia and Tennessee (Knoxville and Murfreesboro).
During the last 10 to 11 years, I have sought educational opportunities through noted and award winning artists of various mediums, understanding the technical aspects from framing to maintaining integrity in the art world. This has been accomplished through many week-long workshops and working to perfect my techniques.
As I endeavor to capture the essence, color and light, (most recently in pastel), it is my hope that viewers will be captivated by the individual characteristic of each image – their uniqueness and energy! Pastel affords me immediate results and satisfaction; the vibrant colors are an extension of the energy which I find coming from nature and from my photographs, sometimes I am so compelled by a scene, I have to paint!
My technique is to paint and draw all in the same strokes after initially under-painting to assure harmony. Layers and Layers of pastel may be required to achieve a special look. My painting technique would be an impressionistic, painterly rendering. Subjects vary from flora from my garden, to children in my family and grandchildren of special friends. Landscapes are my newest endeavor and painting water is a thrill.
Upon viewing a painting by West Virginia artist, Joyce Cooper, I was surprisingly moved to tears. It is my desire to share my love of nature and color through my paintings and stir the instilled emotions of its viewers!
Share this page with your favorite Social Networking website.  |
