peter: August 2008 Archives
Q. What inspires you to paint landscapes?
A. Landscapes in general, especially our local pastures, wetlands and river ways have this amazing serene beauty that I find irresistible to paint. My imagination completes many details when I (purposely) put away my photo reference. That's when the real fun begins! I often do not have a specific idea of how the piece is going to turn out. My oil painting technique utilizes many, many glazes built up over a period of days, weeks, or months, and with each successive layer comes many more decisions to be made. It is often very difficult for me to see when a
painting is finished. That's when I rely on my other fine inspirations, my husband and 2 children to say "leave it alone!"
Q. How did you start your career as an artist?
A. I've just about always been in the art field, in one way or another most of my working life. Working with abundant black and white pen & ink detail as a medical illustrator, it feels natural including the color
and freedom of oil painting. I also paint sky and wall murals for builders and homeowners, which is also a very fun and rewarding part of my work. Simultaneously working in many facets of art is very satisfying to me, and I look forward to other interests that will no doubt come my way...
Q. What's next?
A. We have recently built my studio on our property, so we have the room now to make dressing screens, pillows, etc., and paint them with my landscapes. I've also been thinking about painting plein aire - - - I've got my eye on a few areas around town , such as the new profile of Mill Pond since they removed the dam. I'm very much looking forward to painting that area one fine day.
