I often think of art as a way of expressing gratitude for the simple privilege of being alive. I feel most grateful to live in this beautiful part of New Hampshire. For an artist, the natural surroundings provide enduring inspiration. And, the rivers, mountains and forests provide places of refuge as well as joy.
An appreciation for art began at an early age for me. I had no choice as my artist parents insisted on dragging the family to all the museums and galleries that NYC had to offer. I was groomed, in a sense, to go into an art career of one kind or another.
After years of study in the fine arts, I discovered (as many others have) that an art degree will not necessarily land you a job. Still, I was able to translate much of that training and education into a career as a book designer and graphic artist.
Years later, retired and with more time available, I went back to painting and found the watercolor medium particularly suited to my fast, loose and direct approach. I am a big admirer of the English watercolor masters, Edward Seago and Edward Wesson. I love their pared-down, elegant compositions and impressionistic style. John Singer Sargent's marvelous watercolors have always been an inspiration as well. And, it was delightful this summer to catch a show of watercolors at the Cape Ann Museum by Edward Hopper, another master of the medium. There are, as well, so many wonderful contemporary watercolorists, like Joseph Zbukvic, who I greatly admire.
In terms of my approach, my preference is to just jump in and attack that unforgiving sheet of white paper with no preliminary drawing. It's a direct, fast and loose approach — but it does require drawing experience. If there's one thing I recommend to folks who want to paint, it is to keep a sketchbook handy and draw as often as you can. It's a most useful practice for focusing your attention and a way of training your eye for keener observation.
My palette is limited to only a few colors, and I work in a traditional, transparent style where any whites are provided by the paper itself.
I am so grateful to have my work displayed in this lovely gallery and happy to share my love for watercolor with others.
Artist Meet & Greets
Saturday December 9th, Saturday December 16th and Saturday, December 23rd from 11am - 3pm