Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Patrick Matthews’ Energetic Illumination


Mountain Magic

“Painting outdoors, surrounded by nature, in all seasons, I am energized. I have a sense of inner strength, joy, and peace I feel nowhere else."-Pat
 
Mountain Magic
The source of light illuminating the center of Mountain Magic (above) helps create a sense of depth and perspective. This light-filled composition has become a signature of Pat’s creative process.

Impressions of Light
Impressions of Light
The painting to the right is on the more abstract end for Pat, although the subject matter is still strong. Light is a key thread running through this wind-blown work – it highlights the fallen, crimson leaves and wisps across the golden ones that are still attached.

Winter’s Glory
In “The Glory of Winter,” Pat turns a horizon of bare-boned aspens into a colorful scene of contrasting elements. The trees’ shadows fill the bottom of the canvas with elongated lines that run parallel to streamers of vibrant orange, yellow, purple and blue. The distant mountains shrouded in cloud-distilled light provide a soft backdrop, which contrasts the angular trees. The whole wintery scene is bursting with color and light. The viewer can tell that this was inspired by a real place, but Pat’s rendition is full of extreme energy and amped up light.

The Glory of Winter
  
 The Magic of Mountains
Similarly, Pat’s “Mountain Magic” adds incredible depth and light to what would be for some, a standard nature scene. Pat brings the aspens to life by igniting their leaves and bark with bursts of bright color, then softens the distant horizon with cool tones. This painting truly brings a magical quality to the mountains.
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These works, and several more, are available at Waxlander Art Gallery & Sculpture Garden in Santa Fe, NM. You can view Pat’s available Waxlander works here
High Mountain Family