Free opening reception on Thursday, November 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Willard Arts Center. Reception supported by KISU, FM-91, Your Ear to the World

Artist Statement

The framed oil and acrylic paintings in this show were done in plein air in 2019. They are inspired by Idaho Falls and its surroundings and painted in the company of friends and fellow artists. I am very appreciative of the local art community who came out to paint and of my wonderful gardening neighbors who allowed me to set up in their yards.

This spring, 2020, with social distancing and ‘stay at home’ orders, I decided to take an online Chinese Brush Painting class with artist Henry Li. One of the first things he explained was that Chinese artists throughout history created landscape paintings in their homes as a way of looking inwards during times of social and political turmoil. They wanted to make landscapes that would allow one’s mind to travel. All of the ink paintings on scrolls likewise were created in my studio but are still inspired by the Idaho Falls area. You may have noticed, I enjoy the huge, beautiful trees that grow here.

While taking the Ink Brush Painting Class, I learned about the different types of rice paper and about the techniques of the Northern and Southern Song Dynasty in China during the years 1124 to 1279.  At first, I created landscapes in my own painting style. Then, as I learned more about this ancient style of painting and the expressive brush strokes they used, I started incorporating some of those techniques into my work. You may be able see the difference between the ink paintings created before taking the class and afterwards.

The scrolls in this show come from China and are made of mounted Xuan unprimed rice paper. If you wish to make one your own, they each come with a durable plastic tube for easy transport and storage. 

Sponsored by
Fred & Linda Hughes • Josh Flores • Amy Lientz & Jay Astle