I have been painting for as long as I can remember.  Several years ago I was introduced to painting “alla prima”  ,from the Italian, meaning “all at once”. It employs painting “wet into wet” on the canvas. This technique has opened up a whole new expression of my work.  It allows me to produce fresher, brighter, more vivid colors.

     I paint en plein air as often as circumstances allow.  Early life experiences ingrained in me a deep appreciation for the natural world.  The joy I experience being outdoors is clearly evident in my plein air work.  In addition to combining two pleasures, painting plein air also allows me to judge my subject directly for color and value.

     I am fascinated by the play of light and shadow.  It is the effect light has on a subject that draws me to it… the cool morning light on the water, the colors deep in the long shadows of late afternoon. or the reddish light at sunset that warms everything it touches.  Any one of these effects can transform an ordinary scene into an extraordinary one. It is the joy I feel when I come across one of these special moments that I try to capture on my canvas.  This is accomplished by the strict adherence to light and shadow patterns, the use of vivid descriptive color, and bold expressive brushwork.

     My love of the water is reflected in my subject matter.  My  use of color is inspired by my passion for life.  Being an artist is a privilege.  It is about being in a special place and developing the means to express how I feel about that place.  If I do everything just right, I get to share a piece of the magic I feel with those who view my work.

Studio de la Mar

Nags Head, NC

252-480-3717

 

Studio 21

Richmond, VA

804-740-3758

 

E-mail : sgmpaints@aol.com

 

 

To contact us: