mixed media works on canvas by
elisa ann lindstrom
About elisa and her work
Artists Statement:
I strive for my work to embrace the calm, quiet, simple aspects of nature. Be that through an image of a bird perched on a wire or a view of a landscape with a large open sky, I love capturing these moments on canvas. It is important to me that my art gives the viewer a sense of peace and evokes feelings of freedom while celebrating the beauty of the world around us.
About me:
I was fortunate to have parents who understood and encouraged my love of art. They enrolled me in summer art classes at a local cultural center. Every year I had the same teacher who took us outside on nice days to study the world around us. We would sit in local parks and gardens sketching trees and buildings. I really loved when we would go to Lake Michigan to draw. I found myself spending a lot of time staring into the sky and lake as the blues and greens drew me in. When I wasn’t outside, I was inside looking out the window or drawing.
I like to see my mixed media pieces as a return to the time when the world outside drew me in and all I wanted to do was create. It’s only appropriate that the first series of paintings I did when I had the chance to paint again were birds that I saw while looking out the window of my apartment. I’ve moved on a bit from those first bird paintings but not far – I’m enjoying creating landscapes that I’ve witnessed on car rides and long hikes.
I’m happy to be back in a place where I find myself looking, watching, and admiring the beauty of nature and all of its seasons.
My technique:
I create each piece by applying multiple forms of media in different painting and drawing techniques. First, I use acrylic paints that are thinned down with matte medium to create translucent layers of color which I build up until there is just enough depth and texture. I continue to use the paint/matte medium mixture and incorporate more mediums such as gouache, water color, charcoal, conte crayon and soft pastels to develop detail. This adds more texture and dimension as well as increases the color palette and the vibrancy of the hues. I love working in mixed media because not only am I more inclined to take risks with color and form but also I never really know what is going to turn out with each chance I take.
The Amber Field
copyright 2008 elisa ann lindstrom
24" x 20" mixed media on canvas
