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Painting en plein air (in the open air) allows me to leave interior space for the living world outside. The outdoors literally becomes my studio—a place for visual meditations while I paint the effects of natural light in oil. As a painter, I aim to fill each painting with life, inspiration and uplifting beauty. My close attention to the subject—observing color, value, and composition, cause me to absorb nature and respond to it. It’s as if the outdoors is “etched in,” and I experience nature on a visceral level, which is then transferred to my artwork. The painting process becomes intuitive as I respond to what I am seeing. Painting this way has nurtured my connection and appreciation for nature as well as my awareness of our world.
The majority of my paintings are alla prima (one sitting), which impart a fresh quality and a sense of immediacy. Since the light changes quickly outdoors I must simplify what I observe to capture the feeling and essence of my subject. I employ a painterly translation that suggests rather than defines a subject—it is not necessary to paint each blade of grass, leaf or branch. This suggestion naturally triggers the viewer’s imagination and memory to ‘fill in the blanks’ without overstating what they are seeing. I enjoy conveying light, atmosphere, and mood rather than a defined literal copy.
Plein air painting allows me to connect with artists of the past who have embraced the same tradition. In continuing this tradition I am capturing moments within my lifetime. In addition, I have been an assistant to a painting conservator. It has been an honor to restore such valuable, beautiful and historic works. To see, enjoy and learn from artists of the past has been a wonderful influence. In turn I continue the tradition with my own paintings.
Click here to see photos of Colleen painting on location. |
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