[Leah]

Hi,  I am an alumni from the last class.  I wasn’t able to completely finish the course the last time so I am taking it again.  Here is my Artist Statement.  I am concerned it may sound too sappy.  Please let me know your thoughts.

 

Family vacations, while growing up, were spent camping and visiting state and national parks. This is where my love of nature and wildlife began. During these vacations my father, a photographer, shared and instilled in me his deep respect for all animals and their natural environments. These early lessons never left me and I continue to view wildlife with a sense of awe and respect.  Painting wildlife is a reflection of my personal connection with nature. I strive to convey the thrilling experience of being in the presence of animals in their natural surroundings and the inner peace that is only found from spending time with them in their habitats.

I begin my oil paintings by doing field sketches and taking numerous photographs of the subjects and their natural environments.  Selecting the best references from these I create each composition to best convey each animal’s outward beauty, inner character and the life force that is unique to every creature.  My paintings are outward expressions for the awareness and need to preserve wildlife within their natural habitation.  Some day, if we are not more mindful of our impact on the natural world and its diverse inhabitants, paintings and photographs may be the only way we will be able to enjoy these magnificent animals. Hopefully my paintings help inspire the protection of all animal kind and their natural environment.