Gretchen Acharya
Boulder, CO, USA
As an artist, my primary experience of the world is visual. My gift is the ability to communicate this experience through art. My art is derived from my participation in and observation of the dance of life around me. I have traveled extensively and often find inspiration from these experiences . I enjoy painting landscapes and explorations of the figure in motion. Whatever the subject, it is my intention to reach beyond the simple reflection of a physical object, to communicate to the viewer on a deeper level. I am interested in the interplay of light, shadow and texture in defining form and expressing the living energy of the subject. In my landscape paintings, for example, I am painting not only a tree, but it’s interaction with the environment, light, moisture, air, soil. In figurative work I often place the subjects within their social and cultural environment describing family interactions, or the rhythm and movement of dance, games or festivals. My goal is to encourage people to observe life more thoughtfully.
My primary medium is soft pastel. I prefer pastel for a number of reasons, it's directness of execution, the unmatched brilliance and vibrancy of color, it's versatility and permanence. I am currently also working with water soluble oils. I am experimenting with multi layered glazes, which allow colors to evolve as I work. My style has evolved naturally from the interaction between the medium and my artistic vision. While many paintings are completed on location, others evolve in the studio from a combination of sketches, photographic references and creative imagination.
Painting/Watercolor/Pastel/Oil, Photography
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