 |
|
I have lived my whole life in California, most of it in the rural foot hills. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park and the forest, Shasta Trinity National forest, and Mendocino National forest were all my "back yard" at various times. They provided hours of wildlife observations and nurtured my habit of sketching animal's details. This "habit" started under my Grandmother's tutelage, and developed as various wild babies were rescued by my Mother.
I have held a bottle for bob cats, fox, brown bear, deer, raccoon, otter, and nearly every variety of squirrel, rabbit or mouse living nearby. And I am an expert in the practice of hitting wide open baby bird mouths with whatever formula was right for a song bird, owl or hawk. Mom was the "animal lady" everyone thought of when an orphan or injured wildthing needed help. Each rescuuee displayed a distinct personality in their fight for survival and eventual freedom. It is that uniqueness I try to portray, flat or on stone.
Since I have always loved to fish, (I learned to fly fish at age 12 and never miss a chance to hit a spring creek or meandering meadow stream) painting the beautiful colors of these elusive opponents just came naturally. I like to think that my paintings bring memories of great fights and beautiful places to those who share my pleasure in a light rod and rushing water.
After experimenting with most traditional mediums I came to rely on bold, bright acrylic colors to bring out the beauty of single hairs, feathers and scales. The permanence and versatility of this fast drying paint allows depth and complexity to be achieved quickly. Since it can be either transparent or opaque depending on choice and method, I can layer color to enhance realism while adding bright notes of detail to emphasize individual personality.
Whatever their support, be they flat work or stone "art in the round", I hope CAROL'S CRITTERS freezes a moment of the character and excitement that you will enjoy!!