Why paint?
I am influenced as much by certain writers–––especially George MacDonald and C.S. Lewis–– as I am by great visual artists because they help me understand the deeper purpose of the arts. Lewis speaks of nature being “only the first sketch” of a greater glory. It is that greater glory that I see in the ordinary world around me and that is what I hope to communicate to the viewer. Whether in an old bearded gentleman with character wrinkles or in the white light patterns on the deep green grass, I see the glory of God everywhere. I am captivated by the ordinary man, the simple little house, the rugged oak, the curly hair of a spaniel, the white explosion of a cumulous cloud. Nothing is insignificant.
Although I work with various mediums, I find myself coming back again and again to pastel—both soft and oil pastel. The medium allows me to build map-like patterns of design that can be layered to create the texture, value, and color that I’m after. Pastel is especially valuable for my plein air studies that often lead to more finished work. It is portable and immediate and can be used on colored sanded boards or papers.
I also love oils––the rich color, the creamy texture––and working in pastels has helped me simplify the oil painting process. Both pastel and oil allow me to work from dark to light, building the underlying abstract patterns of values that create more dramatic realistic or impressionistic works.
I believe that beauty is a reflection of the Creator, and the visual arts and language arts bring me to a greater appreciation of the grace of God.
ART ASSOCIATIONS
Mint Hill Arts
Charlotte Plein Air Painters
Piedmont Pastel Society
Oil Painters of America, Associate member
Oil Pastel Society
EXHIBITIONS:
Mint Hill Arts Juried Show, Mint Hill, NC '10
Piedmont Pastel Member Show, Charlotte, NC '10
"Anything Grows, Floral Inspirations" Mint Hill, NC '10
Piedmont Pastel Membership Exhibition, Christ Gallery, Charlotte, NC '10
December Juried Show, MHA, Mint Hill, NC '09
Martha Faires," Pastels and Paintings" solo exhibit, Mint Hill, NC '09
BB & T Exhibit July '09
June Spring Show Mint Hill -Judge’s Recognition Award ‘09
"Mooresville Artist Guild 31st Annual Spring Artfest" 09
"Small Treasures", Mint Hill Arts, Mint Hill, NC '08
Art Walk, Concord, NC ’08
BB & T Exhibit, Mint Hill, NC, ’08
Oil Pastel Society, member show, national online, 'o8
Piedmont Pastel Society, Juried Exhibition, Queens University, Charlotte, NC '08
Cabarrus Art Guild Juried Exhibition, Concord, NC, '08
"The Art of Learning," Mint Hill, NC ' 08
"Lights and Brights," Mint Hill, NC ' 08
"Celebrating the American Experience" --Mooresville NC, '08
“Art in the Family,” Mint Hill, NC '08
“April Showers Bring ---Watercolors” Mint Hill, NC '08
“MAG Winter Show” Matthews, NC '08
“Grand Opening Show” Mint Hill Gallery, Mint Hill, NC '07
“Art on the Square”, Abbeville, SC '07
“Artists Crawl” Concord, NC '07
“Artists on Parade”, Mint Hill, NC, '06, '07
