Painting Statement

 Mood and Mystery

I am in the woods. Lagoon to my left, giant cedars on the right. Mist rises in a thin veil as if illuminating an alternate world. There is a sense of mystery and a feeling of comfort and peace; a magical embrace in a cathedral forest provides sanctuary.

A moldery scent of greenery gone by and brilliant red leaves, form patterns on the trail. Colors are intense after a rain. Damp brings out the richest color, like stones, luminous under water. Cedar tree appears green and I see alizarin, gold and blue. There are a thousand shades of green. Sun strikes foliage and light glistens white. Deepest shadows are as dark as raven.

In my studio I recall shapes, colors, lines and form. I remember smells and sounds, memorialize the place with paint. I begin with thin layers of oily warm transparent hues, mutating into thick painterly brush marks. Each layer stamps the recollection of that day’s hike or ride, the pieces unfold in a contemplative manner, with one mark informing the next.

I am especially fond of the spaces between the branches. The shapes that twist and flow behind the scenes. Ambient light brings significance to the rich dark foliage.

The finished piece is a mosaic of light, weaving and interlacing patterns and color. Like stained glass, they represent the mystery beneath the surface, the layer woven between worlds. I paint this island as sanctuary. A woodland temple and shelter from the storm.

2022 

Paintings by Teresa Smith All PaintingsAll Artists

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Madrone

Painting by Teresa Smith

Island Haven

Painting by Teresa Smith

Enchanted Forest

Painting by Teresa Smith

Woodland Temple

Painting by Teresa Smith

Down The Path

Painting by Teresa Smith

Into The Woods

Painting by Teresa Smith

Redwood

Painting by Teresa Smith

Break of Day

Painting by Teresa Smith

View Artwork by Teresa Smith in Person

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