ARTIST STATEMENT
My work is about nature and color and the reconciliation of the opposites: black and white. In no other part of my life am I able to immerse myself completely into a project where time melts away and memories and dreams fill my landscape. I have relived whole relationships within the process of creating one portrait.
I like to start out with charcoal (the way I started my art exploration 40 years ago), and then bring it to life with colors that mix and react to it. Watercolors are my go-to for florals, since they allow the fluidity of a blooming landscape. I use acrylic paints for portraits and sometimes florals. Acrylics are very forgiving which is a good thing for me because I am constantly experimenting.
When I share each piece my hope is that the viewer will nod their head and agree with me. Yes, this piece makes sense. It has a beginning, middle and end, and the flow is logical. A good story.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
I have been making art for more than 40 years. I operated a print shop and publishing firm for 25 years and fell in love with black and white and highlight those colors in most of my work.
I currently create every day in Michigan farm country. My neighbors are horses. I paint in my small home, on just about every surface I can find available.
I am a volunteer at the Lansing Art Gallery, where they have asked me to teach a class in the Spring of 2024.
One of my pieces is currently on exhibit at Northville Art Gallery at their Small Works exhibition. Another is online at the Camelback Gallery Black and White Exhibition. I have signed a contract for my first solo exhibition in May of 2025.
© Cindy Souders