The Artist as Native

Peters Kill Falls, 8×10 oil pastel

A few years ago my son bought me a book for Christmas called “The Artist as Native: Reinventing Regionalism”. The book is a collection of thoughts by various artists who celebrate the places they live and work.  I guess it is  universal that  there are places that get into your soul, and become a part of you. My latest painting is of one of those places here in upstate New York. The terrain is filled with  steep ledges  that jut out over forests, and waterfalls that drop very dramatically.  I didn’t get to spend a lot of time at this particular spot, but this view has been hijacking my thoughts since I got back. And when that happens, there is only one thing to do: Paint it.   ~Rita,

Catskill Evening Sun

I had the fortunate opportunity to spend time on a beautiful 50 acre property in the Catskill Mountains, in order to do a painting I was commissioned for.  The sunsets in this area are one of my favorite things to see, as they never disappoint. The patron I was working for wanted a view from one of the highest parts of her land which  has a panoramic view of a part of the Catskill Mountains, the mountain range that she has come to love.  It was an honor to be able to spend time there, soaking up this incredible landscape as I  attempted to express my interpretation of her special view. ~Rita

Catskill Evening Sun, 11×14 oil pastel