Linda Sutton lives in the California hills adjacent to protected Open space. Wildlife subjects and the complementing light of their environments, supply limitless inspiration. This native Californian is fascinated by the delicate balance of unique unspoiled environments and the sometimes unusual inhabitants. Brought up to see color optically appreciation is expressed in the transparency of watercolors. Intentionally cavorting "Wildlife Art" with the atmospheric medium that so generously supports the effects of light.
A one woman show of 26 pieces was exhibited in Walnut Creek, CA at The Lindsay Wildlife Museum from April - June 2006, and has been included in group shows such as The Art of Seeing" Nature revealed through Illustration at The Oakland Museum, "Art in the Animal Kingdom X" at the Bennington Museum VT, Philip & Muriel Berman Museum of Art PA, Triton Museum in Santa Clara, CA, Pacific Wildlife Galleries, Lafayette, CA, National Watercolor Society, Watercolor West. A Featured Artist at "Reflections of Nature" ‘04 in Fallbrook CA. and most notable publications are the cover of Wildlife Art Magazine, Nov/Dec'02, & "The Watercolor Page", American Artist Magazine May ‘96, and Splash 7 Northlight Books. The city of Concord sent 2 paintings as gifts to their sister city of Kitikami Japan and it's Mayor Ito. Painting on location, often benefitting nature preservation organizations, provides some adventurous diversity, variety, new challenges, and opportunity to collect exciting new reference. Not yet out of the ribbons in a recent exploration into "en plein air" competitions, Bidwell Park's 100th anniversary competition, in California, painting the park en Plein air, in 105º weather led to a 3rd award, at a 2006 Alameda CA invitational "Jewel By the Bay" an honorable mention, and Best of Show at the 10th annual Sandhill Crane Festival in Lodi, CA.
Continued attendance in a trusty life drawing group every alternate week, contributes to the continued growth of creative drawing skills, that also relate to animal forms, where accurate representation is a valid expectation. Exercising the subjective and abstract qualities to capture the essence of a subject, or place, entices the viewers imagination with just enough realism to draw them into and beyond the two dimensions of the surface. Using a Significant Contrast to create a design and atmosphere for a subject to exist within, captivates the viewer with traditional Art Elements while manipulating relationships between abstraction and realism engages the imagination into seeing the art in nature.
Two classes in adult waterCOLOR are taught weekly at Walnut Creek Civic Arts. Having previously worked in their school services program, coordinating history and science with, teaching and developing lessons in art principals for Jr. & Sr. High School students she is currently developing an art program for Vicenté Martinez High School. Classes, workshops and demonstrations are about handling the wet'n wet medium as brave color relationships, more than about subject matter. Tools for representing personal passions that can be applied to many mediums. Tools can be taught, drawing skills practiced, still passions must be felt.
NWS - National Watercolor Soc.
AFC - Artists for Conservation Foundation
WW - Watercolor West
CWA - California Watercolor Assoc.
Pacific Wildlife Galleries, Lafayette, CA
Soda Creek Gallery, Sisters, OR
The Old Hotel, Twin Bridges, MT
Displayed at: Geppetto's Café in Orinda, CA
Classes: Walnut Creek Civic Arts Adult Ed. (925) 943-5846
Vicenté Martinez High School 2006
www.ldarsowsutton.com (925) 229-4054
Transparent watercolor is my primary medium. Brought up to see color optically cultivated a personal fascination for transparent color. Attracted by the elegant atmospheric effects enhanced by the light bouncing through the color from the white paper. The results of light on the Natural Environment, Atmosphere, Wildlife, Water, and a sense of instance encourage a never ending attempt to observe nature more intimately. Inspiring a relentless need to express respect for the natural world we have left, and it's preservation.
Animal forms are explored with a less traditional approach, while still respecting accuracy. Investigation of colors shapes, light qualities and a less expected viewpoint reveals the elegant forms, textures and emotions they present. Captivating the viewer with traditional Art Elements and employing the relationships between abstraction and realism engages the imagination. Not obligating the viewer to respond to a subject exactly as the artist provokes an illusive quality of realism more personal to the viewer. Offering a distraction from the consuming pressures of civilization, even if only for a moment. It's not how much information is on a surface but how much reaction evoked from that surface that is important. Not to just admire the paint, but have an experience, or remember one. Be "there", go somewhere think about something! Inciting a memory or maybe even inspiring a revaluation of priorities, hopefully imposing my opinion that our Natural world is worth saving.
"EARTH fascinates me. Human interference with Natures original plan is sadly questionable at best. It will be important to have preserved it, fully stocked! Every single little link will be significant when the powers that be come to realize the Earth requires respect. The more painting teaches me, the more evident this becomes."
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