"Wings of My Soul"

"Wings of My Soul"

Sunday, September 6, 2009

The Artist's Statement

Growing up in a small town of 2,000, I spent most of my time in the woods or fields, playing, and, as I grew older, working. I owned several horses and loved the out-of-doors. I enjoyed drawing and looking at all forms of art. However, I never actually went into a gallery until after I had become a professional artist. The artwork that I got to see was in the public library. During my first year in college, 1963, my art professor took us to a seminar on painting with acrylics. I loved the speed. However, I still liked the soft clouds and skin that could be achieved with oils.

I majored in Advertising Design, because I was not aware that one could actually make a living as a "fine artist." I worked for several years as a commercial artist doing newspaper and catalog layouts. After serving in the Army, my wife and I moved to North Carolina, where I did line drawings for the "Yellow Pages." I thought I had found Heaven, when I went to work painting architectural renderings. I was getting paid to paint. When that company went bankrupt, it was devastating. After that, I went to work for two furniture photography companies, always doing illustrations, whenever I could.

In 1976, I actually got angry with myself, because I was not living up to my potential. At that point, I made a decision to paint in a more serious way, and to truly challenge myself, more than I had done before. Not very long after that, a group called "Artist Touring Association" asked me to join them. An opportunity arose to become a full-time, professional artist. To my surprise, my wife agreed, and we began a totally new life. It was hard. It was with this group, however, that my real education began. We toured with them for two years. We were very fortunate to be able to work with some wonderful artists, who helped me develop.

Several artists have inspired me. Because of his availability to a young boy, and for the excitement he transmitted in his work, N.C. Wyeth was probably my first major influence. Thomas Moran, Albert Bierstadt, Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Alphonse Maria Mucha, Maxfield Parrish, Frank Frazetta, Tom Lovell, and others have all had an influence on my artwork. Until I was in college, there was no real art instruction available. Realism was nowhere to be found. Therefore, almost all that I have learned has been self-taught.

If I were forced to put a name to the way I paint, it would have to be "romantic realism." However, if one studies my work, it would be discovered that a large portion of what I do is impressionistic, with, somewhat, realistic areas. I have been told by several of my collectors, that my work is easily recognizable. They may, at first, see similarities to Thomas Moran, or another of my influences; but after having seen several of my pieces, they tell me that my style is unmistakable.

My artwork never stops evolving, for the better, I hope. I do believe that it has been consistent and I have a style that is recognizably mine. Although I cannot help but be influenced by what I have encountered, when I paint, I just try to do the best that I can. This is where imagination and originality are really important. I do not want to paint like Frank Frazetta or Maxfield Parrish, or Vincent Van Gogh, or like anyone else. One Van Gogh is enough. My style is undeniably my own.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Going Home

It seems just as I get going on an interesting project, one thing after another seems to crop up and derail my momentum. But, I guess that is life. At least, it has been my life. Our house is in major turmoil, with renovations. On Friday, Hermon decided that we needed to make a place in my kitchen for a new stove, long overdue! So he and our handyman, Dave, turned my kitchen upside down and inside out, removing cook top, wall oven, then ancient water heater. (Hot water on Demand water heaters are wonderful, by the way.) So now I can use that space for a pantry. My stove comes in the morning sometime. What a mess! Not that the rest of my house is completed either, but the time was right to do this. So what am I going to do to help this ongoing renovation? I am going to visit my family in Mississippi! My Uncle Dave, at 84, has been ill for a while now, and I am worried about him. I need to see him and to be with the rest of the family. We have all been very close and have spent lots of time together, all my life. A visit with family is good for the soul. It is refreshing to my spirit to see them and to enjoy the unconditional love they have always shown me. I am excited to go.

I hope something looks better when I return, or I may just turn around and go back!!
So now for my little blog, I will fill in as I can over the next few days before I leave on September 9th. I will return on the 19th. Then I will be able to concentrate on the project at hand. Please bear with me. Thank you for those of you who are following this. Best wishes, Sheila Adams