028 / Pandemic Artwork Stories
1/18/2021
028 / pandemic artwork stories
WITH GAYLE HAVENS
Where are you painting from and what have you been doing to keep busy?
I am painting from some of the oldest mountains on Earth, the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. My home studio is just south of Asheville, nestled amongst the magnificent flora and fauna of this region. During the pandemic, I have “hit the books” and undertaken a self-directed study of both the theory and practice Tonalism and Tonalist painters. I bring this information and inspiration to my studio and work on incorporating it into my paintings. While tonal painting is not a new direction for my work, the discovery of Tonalism and an associated body of writing and critique is new to me. They bring a much-appreciated grounding for my thinking about and practice of painting.
How did you find inspiration from your surroundings for it?
The confluence of sky, sea and land at times of transitioning and soft light is an endless source of wonder. This piece is inspired from many walks and plein air sketching along the shoreline of Hilton Head, SC at dawn, dusk, and moody skies.
What is one positive that has come from this experience for you?
Solitude! This quiet time alone has allowed me to listen, for a sustained period of time, more attentively to my own voice and bring that voice to my paintings.
What is one of your favorite pieces in the collection from a fellow artist?
Learn more about Gayle's artwork and story here.