Jeanne S. Chesterton |
Extraordinary paintings of ordinary objects are intoxicating to me. For me there is something irresistible about such paintings, particularly those which capture something of the style and mood of the great artists from the past. My goal in each of my oil paintings is to reflect a bit of their magic. I am especially fascinated by the subtleties of surface color, light and shadow, seemingly enhanced in everyday objects. Tarnished metals, crumpled bags, dried leaves and broken edges are often more appealing to me than things shiny bright and new. I am often drawn to objects lacking much color at all, challenged by the essence of a more neutral palette. My arrangements tend not to be crowded with objects, for I often prefer a less cluttered composition. I depend a great deal on instinct as I create my tableau of objects usually arranged at eye level. As I reflect upon the many artists whose work I admire, I believe my vision has been informed by the works of Chardin, Luis Melendes, Jura Bedic and William Bailey, whose paintings reflect the purity of simple still life subjects. Throughout my painting career I have had the privilege of taking classes or workshops with James Feehan, Dot Bunn, Carlo Russo, Coulter Watt, Matarese Roche and Larry Chestnut. As a docent at the James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, PA, my art experience continues to be enriched by their exhibits and educational opportunities. I have enjoyed success during my 10-year painting career, garnering some awards and being juried into shows at The Phillips Mill, The Philadelphia Sketch Club and The Ellarslie Open at the Trenton City Museum. I am a member of Artsbridge, Artists of Yardley, Doylestown Art League and the Arts and Cultural Council of Bucks County. |