Feb. 1 thru Feb. 28, 2007

Artist's Reception:
Sunday, Feb. 11, 2007
2:00 to 5:00 pm

RLV Gallery
1955 Rancho Linda Vista Rd.
Oracle, AZ 85623
Click for Directions

“A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral.”--Antoine de Saint-Exupery
 

“The logic of nature, the relationships we perceive/project in it, is the reflection of the divine in ordinary stuff, and an affirmation of our participation in the creation.”--Anonymous

“I honor Nature in every new painting that I make partaking in a joyous symbioticlove affair.”-- Mary A. Gravelle

Since moving to the Southwest in July of 2006, I have redirected my painting from inner symbolism to observation of the outside world. In pioneering mode, my new art is an adventure in exploring, seeing, expressing, expanding possibilities, and discovering new frontiers. 

I observe expansion in wide-open vistas, mountains seen far off in the distance, beautiful sunsets and sunrises, room to breathe, and vibrant color.  

The landscape scenes in this series have been chosen from over 2,000 photographs I took while house sitting in Oracle during August and September of 2006. Immersed in nature while hiking and observing the beauty before me, inspiration sparked a newfound freshness of creative thought.  

I connect more with the final painting if I have constructed the foundation on which to paint. I chose to paint this series on wood, a surface that is firm and durable. The grain of nature shows through the painted result. I experimented with covering one painting surface with canvas and another with pumice gel.

Each painting became a challenging exercise in “what am I seeing?” I have found it next to impossible to paint nature the way she appears before me. This has been a humbling experience for me both in the painting and observation process.

Each painting was built upon the last incorporating what I wanted to learn. I began with simple compositions and subject matter and added more complexity as my confidence in landscape painting evolved. 

I have allowed myself to loosen my grip on the reality of my inability to realistically capture nature and let the painting do what it needed. This has resulted in a style that is beginning to feel my own.

My hope is that you will enjoy the colors, style, and fun in which the energy of this series has taken on meaning for me.