Friday, June 17, 2011

Contemplating the Horizon

Terrain IV, oil on canvas, 60 x 45 inches, © 2011 Diane McGregor


Inspired by the ethereal nature of the vast desert spaces of the American West, my abstract oil paintings are minimalist meditations upon the landscape, the light, and the elements. These images are not representations of a specific place or environment, but a synthesis of shifting visual impressions, contemplative observations, and a meditative process.

My painting process involves building up many layers of vertical and horizontal brushstrokes in a grid framework. This gives the composition its stability and structure. Brushed and scraped textures reference those found in the landscape and on weathered rocks and ancient surfaces. Subtle variations of the color white, including soft grays and pale ochres, symbolize the spiritual essence of the desert for me: purity, clarity, infinity, peace. Natural earth and mineral pigments emerge from the hushed white fields, creating a richly layered, mystical interpretation of these elusive desert realms.
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12 comments:

  1. marianneJune 17, 2011 at 3:18 PM

    your descriptive text is as luscious as the paintings are - would love to see them in the flesh!

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  2. sukipoetJune 18, 2011 at 5:00 AM

    this feels different from some of the earlier ones in that more of the background layers show through. it reminds me of the fields out my window enshrouded in mist.

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  3. brbulka.gJune 18, 2011 at 5:55 AM

    Very nice... :-)

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  4. William HallJune 30, 2011 at 1:18 PM

    Nice piece, I like the grid is structurally evident but not dominant.

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  5. Stevie, Tree, and Soleil July 10, 2011 at 7:41 AM

    Your work is gorgeous. I'm going to have to find some wall space in the Sprinter :) I particularly like that the images are not representations of specific places but rather 'a synthesis of shifting visual impressions, contemplative observations, and a meditative process.' For me, their lack of location is precisely what locates the immanent divinity in the landscape. Absolutely gorgeous. I'm glad you found me so I could find you! -Stevie Trujillo

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  6. Diane McGregorJuly 11, 2011 at 4:46 PM

    Thanks, Stevie!

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  7. Debu BarveJuly 17, 2011 at 7:36 AM

    Dear Diane,

    Loved this! You have given a very interesting description of the structural aspect of your work.
    Thanks for sharing.
    ~Debu

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  8. Diane McGregorJuly 17, 2011 at 10:16 PM

    Thank you, Debu.

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  9. AnonymousJuly 24, 2011 at 5:35 PM

    I really enjoyed your artist statement. It was simple, to the point, poetic, and conveyed to me what and why you work the way you do. Thank you for the inspiration!

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  10. Diane McGregorJuly 25, 2011 at 8:44 PM

    Thank you very much, Mary.

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  11. Terry Jarrard-DimondSeptember 16, 2011 at 4:48 AM

    I appreciate the mixture of simplicity and complexity in this work. Beautifully painted.

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  12. Diane McGregorSeptember 16, 2011 at 12:39 PM

    Thanks, Terry!

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