Marjorie Arnett

“She Said No!”
oil paint and graphite stick on canvas
48 x 36 in.

I paint with oils on stretched canvas. I thin, pour, push and sand oil paint until the surface reflects layers of a nonrepresentational composition or one that is subtle in suggesting reality. I dig into the paint with brushes, graphite sticks, any tool that gives that one “Aha” moment I look for in my work.

My paintings have subdued delicate areas in contrast to bold slashes of color on the same canvas. I am intrigued by the juxtaposition of these styles. I like the viewer to be drawn in by fearless strokes then slowly move toward the story told by quiet almost discreet areas of composition.

Whimsical rhythm and color also come into play in my studio world. Again, I am intrigued by forces being placed close together with contrasting effect. The playful fabric of one painting composition against the studied anatomy of another bring surprising energy to my studio space.

© Marjorie Arnett