After graduating with a Bachelors of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Science I was not clear how I would make a living from my passion for art. So, I went into business full time and created my art part time.
I was attracted to various expressions of my love for art. Over the years my choice of medium was made considering the availability of space or time. A small painting kit traveled with me to numerous hotels over the years!
An early retirement from the corporate world and a move to a larger home gave me the opportunity to explore Raku Sculptural Ceramics. I fell in love with the balance of technique and serendipity. I loved pushing the limits of the clay and the Raku process. It is a passionate technique!
As life happens, 15 years later, I became a caregiver for my Mother. Pretty much all artist endeavors came to a halt. After she passed, and my sweet dog died I was full of sadness. I remembered what my Mother used to ask me if I was feeling down, “Are you doing any art?” I wasn’t.
Serendipitously, at the same time, a nephew sent me a link for a video demonstration on Fluid art. I was mesmerized! I watched hours of YouTube videos to learn the steps. By adding oil and water to acrylic paints and mixing them just right a happy magic came about.
I enjoyed it and taught it to family and friends. Once I used this technique for a while, I started looking for the next level of growth. I wanted a larger scale, thinner paints, more control over the composition and results that were archival and professional.
Using online research, I found the award winning abstract artist Bette Ridgeway. I bought her video on the color blocking technique she calls “Layers of Light,” and I wanted to learn more. Bette’s mentor was the Artist Paul Jenkins. I started researching him and the color blocking technique. There was not a lot of information out there to learn from. Color Field technique, Color Blocking technique and layering translucent paints were all new to me.
Both Paul Jenkins and Bette Ridgeway would manipulate an un-stretched canvas with remarkable results. My one challenge was that I didn’t know how to do it. So, I emailed Bette and asked her if she teaches any workshops. The answer was no.
She requested to see some of my current work and my Raku work so she could judge my level of ability. Once a year she will choose a student to teach the layering technique at her studio in Santa Fe. I was it for 2018!
Bette is an amazing artist, teacher and person. I came home and went to work. It is not an easy process so I have my share of “never to be seen” canvases, but I also have some that have made me very happy to share.
I call my version of this technique, “Fluid Dimensions.” It's magical! Just like my Raku endeavors, it's a very passionate technique!
My hope is that my art will solicit an emotional response from the viewer. That is the power of color and movement on a canvas.
Always with love and joy,
Doreen