Elizabeth Garat

Artist Statement

In my representational work---landscape and architecture--- I explore the mood, essence, and presence of Place. Growing up in California and Colorado, I spent a lot of time outdoors in sublimely beautiful places. From a young age I liked to be outside, and felt the mystical presence in Nature. I came into this life intrigued by combinations of color, certain light effects, and shapes. Early immersion in the natural environment combined with innate ways of observing my surroundings influenced me in choosing landscape as my primary subject matter. The act of painting out of doors is both a challenge and a way of connecting the seen and the Unseen. I feel the most successful of these works function as landscape icons.

The Process:

I go on summer expeditions and make studies on site. On location, I complete small paintings or sketches in two hours or less. Returning to my studio, I work at a slower pace referring to sketches, memories, photos and notes. Work in the studio is a kind of conjuring time- meditating with the eyes open. Once I'm away from the pressure of the changing light, I like to work in layers- layering pigments in a way that lets a painting appear illuminated from within.

Training and Mentors:
Joe Vinson and Maddine Insalaco have been my primary teachers and mentors in the techniques of plein air painting.

Elizabeth Tolley taught me the importance of getting into the field and doing copious amounts of visual research (small painting studies) to learn for oneself.

MacDuff Everton, world-renowned photographer, taught me photography as an undergraduate and I credit him for helping develop my artist's eye.

Artist Exhibitions

SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS

JURIED SHOWS/COMPETITIONS

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

PROFESSIONAL

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

PUBLICATIONS

EDUCATION

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