Artists Who Inspire Me
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Featured Artist May 2011 - Marney Ward
"The measure of the artist is to have the eye to see the spirit underlying the particulars, and the skill to capture both in paint." Marney Ward - From the Painter's Keys
A view of the paintings on Marney Ward's website shows us that she more than measures up. The intensity and clearness of her view of the subject is beautifully portrayed by the infusion of light and transparent colour in her work.
She states, "My physical subject is flowers, but my spiritual subject is light. For me, the petals of flowers are like the pieces of stained glass in a cathedral window, staining the pure white light with their incredibly clear and beautiful colours."
The stained glass windows of my childhood church shaped my perception of light and colour. My preference for clean colour (not the same as bright which means bright primary colours) with bright colours and well defined edges might come from this (or it could be totally colouring book related lol!)
When she compares the petals to pieces of stained glass I understand and see exactly what she means. Many of her paintings are examples of this, with light coming through the petals and some have the blue background that the stained glass windows I remember had.
Marney says she doesn't," paint flowers just because they are pretty." From About Me on her website.
The close up macros of her flowers always seem to heighten and capture the one essential thing about that flower that makes it so unique and wonderful. Bright yellow stamens on white with intricately cast shadows combined with the graceful lines of the petals make us draw our breath in awe of their beauty. To be able to give us that moment of perfect peace and return us to a childlike state of wonderment is the gift that Marney gives us with her art.
Her beautiful paintings inspire me to keep painting and trying to give my viewers a moment of peace and beauty in their lives. One I can capture and paint for you as I carry on with 'catching the light.' This link to Marney's painting Catching the Light will bring you to her art. I know you will really enjoy it.
Drop me a line and let me know what you think of this post and this wonderful Canadian Artist.
Related Post: Digital Watercolour Study in Painter 12 of
Jackie Jacobson said:
Joan:
Thanks so much for sharing Marney's art with all of us. I am definitely impressed and inspired by her work. She is an inspiration to all about what a true artist is inspired by and inspires with.
I really like your featuring a monthly artist. Most of us down here would never really get to know what's going on right above us. And I must say, wonderful things are going on in Canada. Keep sharing. I personally really appreciate your work and your efforts.
Thanks
Jackie