 |
On the Beach......Monterey, California
|
As a young girl I became familiar with the French Impressionists through books that my mother shared with me. Other artists in the same or near time periods that influenced my work were, Modigliani, Gaugain, Pissaro, Van Gogh.
I grew up in California on the central coast, in the Pismo Beach area. Just an hour and a half north of Santa Barbara. I was able to attend the art institute there later on.
When I was in Santa Barbara I was fortunate to be able to study under Ray Strong www.raystrong.com . He was a tonalist painter and one of the original California Plein Aire artists. I was able to join him on many painting expeditions in the hills above the ocean and learned a great deal from his intuitive talent as well as his contagious enthusiasm for painting.
It was while I was there, that I was able to see a fantastic show of Monet's work at the musuem. It was an incredible experience, with black draped walls displaying the huge waterlily series. The light was directed from the ceiling, flooding the paintings, creating a long lasting impression of his work. This was one of many experiences that encouraged me to continue to paint myself.
www.lisajoycehill.com
|