I have been painting for an upcoming exhibition opening May 1st at Windermere Bainbridge as part of the Bainbridge Island First Friday Art Walk from 6-8pm. If you are in the area, please stop by!
The exhibition is titled Spring Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring.
It is a series of paintings that has been percolating in me since our move to Washington almost 4 years ago. Both the local geography and the seasons have made a profound impact on the way I see and paint. The vivid, dense greens of the forests, the mysterious fog that settles in, muting edges and hiding mountains. The lime green lichen bursting forth along the edge of our driveway. Mirror like water reflecting perfectly the boat houses by the bay at night. Electric orange safety jackets of ferry employees against midnight blue, rainy winter skies.
These colors and shapes are in such contrast to what I knew growing up. The bright blue Colorado skies, the dry high desert plains, the spacious vistas, the seemingly eternal sun illuminating mountains that stand tall and sharp, always clear in their direction West. These were replaced with an ecosystem that felt alive, present, and mysterious in a way I have not experienced before. The colors and shapes of the Pacific Northwest moved into my studio, overtaking my palette and reshaping the form and content of my paintings.
I look forward to sharing these new paintings. I will share more photos of this new body of work next week!
Until next Friday
Be well, breathe, read, resist and make some art!
Jen