If you Google “what art means to you” you get a mere 3,620,000,000 results. But what does those three plus billion interpretations come down to in Readers Digest terms? Essentially it is an individual’s response, emotional or analytical, to forms of art ranging from visual, literature, musical, and theatrical. For me, what I try to create visually begins with being drawn to a scene or object that captures my imagination and the desire to recreate it on canvas.
I had a late start to my exploration as a painter. Well into my thirties, I began dabbling after receiving a Christmas gift of a set of Winsor paints, bushes, and a rickety thrift shop easel. A friend painter advised me to start by copying works by my favorite impressionist painters. That kept me busy for 18 months until I decided to delve into my own style through original compositions. Looking back on those paintings, all I can say is, “yikes!” Many of those canvases ended up sanded down and a thick layer of gesso applied.
I have come a long way from my art instruction days at George Mason University. Painting is becoming more and more intuitive and expressive under Snow Fielding's tutelage. I explored plein air painting and discovered that there is much to offer is placing yourself in the middle of your subject matter. Although the bugs and weather can be very distracting. I do prefer minimal distractions and temperature control in my studio. My current course for honing my skills includes art workshops with Steven Walker and Peter Fiore. My challenge and goal is to come as close as I can to being in their league.
