PATRICIA MCCARTHY

My family first came to Washington County in the 1700s. While most of my generation have left, I have maintained ties to the area. I marvel at the beauty that surrounds us. Thus many of my paintings relate to and celebrate our natural world. When I am out hiking, I look for subjects that show contrast and interesting elements. If I find something, I photograph it and then see what happens if I decide to paint it. If I fail to find an approach that works, I will paint over it until it says what I want to communicate.

Since I have been painting for many years and have experimented with a number of painting styles and materials, I know what I prefer to use. Currently I paint exclusively in acrylic due to the quick drying quality of the medium. I also have painted up and down the spectrum from representational to abstract expressionism. I now seem to have settled in the area between the extremes. Therefore the theme for the show reflects that fact. Real and Imagined are the subjects I wish to portray. It should be obvious what the subject is about; however, the painting does not attempt to be totally realistic. It could be compared to writing fiction. Although the subjects come from my experiences, they contain elements of my imagination and intuition.

Sometimes I am simply celebrating color. Other times I may have a more thoughtful message. I am always experimenting. My goal in all my paintings is to provide the viewer something to respond to and perhaps reflect upon. I hope you enjoy viewing the show as much as I did painting it.