Eve Kenyon: Artist's Statement

I grew up in a western Massachusetts village where strong connections to nature and the land were gifts of childhood. At a dairy farm close to home I fed apples to draft horses, played in the hay barn and hung out around farm machinery. A lot of time was spent outside running through cornfields, playing in the woods, swimming in the river and skating on frozen ponds. Later, I lived and raised a family in a small city in southwest New Hampshire. This was another gift of spectacular fall panoramas, snowscapes, lush summer foliage and aromatic spring orchards. Moving to the northwest made it possible to experience the rich agricultural heritage and diverse natural features that are inspirations for many of my recent pastels. Each of my landscapes is a synthesis and celebration of these experiences.

Landscapes are based on sketches and original photos done on sight plus written notes that evoke physical sensations, smells, sounds, emotions and memories of being at the place. During its development, the artwork takes on a life of its own. A “conversation” evolves between the piece and me. At this point in the process, I rely on intuition, the sum of my knowledge, discipline and the effort that is required to complete the landscape. Frequent images include paths, barns and grasses. Paths invite viewers to travel into the painting to an area of openness, light or to imagine what’s around the bend or down the hill. Barns represent human presence on the land and our reliance on the earth. Grasses are a sign of renewal and / or surrender. Pastels perfectly combine my love to draw and work with color. Pastels are tools which feel like extensions of my hand or fingers. And the pure, fresh, luscious pigments are easily manipulated and applied directly to the paper. The colors are permanent and do not fade. Pastels are immediate, versatile, forgiving and wonderfully expressive.