Christy Perrine
Inspiration is the only plausible explanation for my drive to experiment and create. This inspiration most often comes from my Pacific Northwest surroundings but may also come from something as simple as a newly opened box of pastels. I am motivated by challenge, and particularly by the challenge of exploring innovative ways to work in the medium of soft pastels.
I work with pastels because of their immediacy and vibrancy as well as their tactile response. I begin my pastels by creating a small thumbnail to determine a limited palette from which to work In my series, “Impressions of the Oregon Coast”, I use specific works of Edgar Degas as inspiration for palette as well as texture in each Oregon seascape. I relate to Degas’ desire to push the medium of pastel by exploring a variety of surfaces as well as manipulating the application of pastel. Through my own exploration, I have developed a method of tinting an acrylic ground for pastels with a warm, medium valued pigment. I then apply this ground with a large brush in a random pattern to masonite panels. I allow the texture of the surface as well as the tone to show through in the finished pieces to add dimension and visual interest. I use strong value contrast to create dramatic interest and variety of stroke as well as color isolation to invite the viewer to explore the work more intimately.
I am currently exploring the use of purposeful texture to represent the past in narrative works which depict a story of both a past and present view. I also continue to be inspired to create landscapes and am working toward portraying increased energy and atmosphere in these works as well as a balance between abstraction and representation of nature.
Christy Perrine's Work at RiverSea Gallery
Click on the following thumbnails to see bigger pictures.
Past Exhibits at RiverSea Gallery
Top
| Back
| Home
|
