Susan Ogilvie
"My landscape paintings represent impressions and observations; not a mere pictorial record of the area, but a statement about how the subject has affected me." Strong, imaginative color is the common thread that runs throughout her work, allowing each image to have its own voice; its own journey; its own destination.
Each pastel painting begins as a pencil sketch, using an abstract approach. The idea for the painting emerges as the composition, with its pattern of darks and lights, takes shape.
Working usually on La Carte Pastel Paper, the general placement of objects is then sketched in lightly, with a hard pastel stick, and the adventure begins! Using the flat side of the soft pastel sticks, Susan begins the process of layering the colors, working from dark to light. The rich and complex colors develop as the values in the painting are defined. Using the sides of the pastel sticks creates a loose and painterly style, and eliminates the inclination to fuss with details.
"I continue layering the colors, searching out the shapes and values, until I’ve said enough. The act of painting is so enjoyable, that it’s tough sometimes to stop before you’ve said too much."
Pastel paintings, when created on archival surfaces and properly framed, are as durable as any other art medium. Many pastel paintings from the Impressionists period are just as stunning today, as when they were painted.
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"Solitude"
"Summer Pasture"
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