Diane Grand
Guild Member Salon Show
NOTES ON “SOUTH PARK” : South Park Wildlife Habitat in Wyoming was where I had my first private plein air experience with a local artist. It was in an area that was accessible about 15 years ago. It was secluded and beautiful. Our session on this particular day was to capture the late afternoon light. It was very atmospheric, which allowed for some nice rich color in the marsh. This area and painting are very special to me because it is where I discovered the purest meaning of being in the moment and expressing your interpretation of it. While this pastel was created recently, I did use some studies and photos I took while I was there for my inspiration.
”South Park,” Pastel, 2020, 11 x 14 in, wood frame with museum quality glass. $425.
Diane Grand ABOUT: My greatest appreciation in pursuing a creative lifestyle is what I have gained in being aware of the natural beauty in my surroundings. When I observe my world, I often imagine it in different visual settings. I wonder how it would appear in glistening wet paint or the crystals of dry pastel. But that is only the beginning of my curiosity. I become intrigued with determining the elements I can use to capture the essence of the scene before me. For me, the most defining element is shape. It always amazes me how the slightest shift in any shape can change the dynamics of the whole. Now the real excitement starts to build when I try to evaluate the best way to convey what I am sensing to the viewer: the type of light, value contrast and relationships, and the interplay of color characteristics and temperature. Then I get to choose the tools to express the texture, edges, and, movement—so many ways to make a cohesive collaboration. Painting is an activity that is an absolute necessity for me. It is always a goal to achieve a journey, and a sense of accomplishment. The best aspects, however, are the intimate lessons that can be applied to a fresh new start that continues the adventure. THIS YEAR: I have been doing more extensive studies of the same subject in pastel and oil paint. I have chosen a few pieces that have generated more interest in discovering how I can bring certain qualities of different mediums to enhance the other. When I do this, I usually increase the size of the piece as well, so it serves two purposes. It explores the subject in more depth and involves more problem solving to create a successful painting on a larger scale. CONTACT: dianeegrand@gmail.com
NOTES ON “CAPTIVA SHORELINE” : I have always been fascinated by moving water. In this pastel of the Captiva Shoreline, I loved the pattern of the sparkling wet sand left behind from the wave. Movement of the sea is an ever-changing dance. I can spend hours watching endless wave formations claiming their path along the shore. I was fortunate enough to have some short videos of this day watching shell seekers hunting for their treasures. I selected a frame from my video that I felt had the most attractive rhythm and the overall design I wanted to explore.
“Captiva Shoreline,” Pastel, 2020, 11 x 14 in, wood frame with museum quality glass. $425.
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