Bay Clouds (5"X5")

Amber Sky (5"X5")

Artist Statement

The recent monotypes continue to be about weather, mood, light, time of day, season and atmosphere. I have tried to move from typical green grass, blue-sky paintings to expressing serene, calm and peaceful landscapes through the use of saturated and intense color. The exploration of the landscape through the printed image (monotypes) has enabled me to experiment with color, value, light, design and the language of mark making. The experiments extend to sizes and shapes of the finished work as well as the use of dunes, boats, chairs, umbrellas, trees, cottages and seascapes as design elements. At times a small monotype (5"x5") will become the basis for a series of larger images based on mood, color or theme.

Using variations on the theme of quiet and serene images of marshes and shorelines, I have tried to capture that special mood, atmosphere, weather, time of day, or time of year. Rather than depict the exact location of a particular scene, I have tried to convey the emotion and sense of place. Hopefully the viewer will form some connection with the landscape. 

The method of monotype, a single print on paper, allows for a relatively quick change in imagery from green grass/blue skies to "what if" the skies were green, pink, yellow, violet, orange or a combination of colors. The process of building the image requires commitment, speed, and a willingness to adjust and change the image as it develops. There is a luminosity that builds in the layering of color, texture that forms and at times unexpected outcomes that occur as a result of the pressure from the press. Most of the recent work exhibited has been enhanced by the addition of pastel after the image has been pressed and dried. It is all challenging and interesting.

Clouds over the Marsh (21"X 28"