(^6) http://www.InternationalArtist.com
ART CHALLENGE #
Second Prize is a two-page editorial feature in American Art Collector magazine
Renay Shaffer Washington, USA, I Carry You In My Heart, pastel, 24½ x 35" (62 x 89 cm)
My Inspiration
Maui has a special place in my heart. Not
only do I have wonderful memories of
the island (I married the love of my life
barefoot on this particular beach), I’ve
also experienced events there that were life
changing and painful. To me, the heaviness
of moisture in the air reminds me of
memories we carry, and the trade winds are
like an element that cleanse and clear over
time, bringing acceptance and perspective.
Dark times illuminate the blessings in life
more clearly. This passing storm, early
sunset and frothing water seemed a moving
juxtaposition. It is a metaphor for life with
all its beauty, chaos and depth.
My Design Strategy
I wanted to suggest humidity in the air
with a muted palette of sky and land, but
the rest of my palette ended up being quite
varied! Since this beach was in front of
a hotel that now no longer exists, I tried
to be true to the photo in my rendering
of the outbuildings and houses along the
shoreline, like a time capsule. I take artistic
license with any visual reference when
I need to, however, changing colors and
bringing focus to areas that make the most
sense to me. After finishing, I actually let
the painting sit for a few months and then
went back into it, further blending the
clouds to be a place of rest for the eye.
My Working Process
I chose Lenox 100 paper and Unison
pastels. Working from a printed photo to
keep information limited, I left room to be
intuitive instead of having an image
I could “zoom into” for details. I worked
top to bottom in logical sections (sky/
land/water), completing each as I went
along. I blend with my fingers and break
the pastels for sharp edges when needed.
I love the energy in seafoam and wanted
to illustrate it without overworking the
area. It was an exercise in being truly
present. After creating color underlayers as
a guide, I let go of control, lightening my
touch and literally channeling the varied
pressure and movement of waves through
my hands. Good music helps during times
like this!
Contact Details
» Email: [email protected]
» Website: http://www.renayshaffer.com
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