Artist Statement



"Painting is a study of our existence, spirit, and environment, derived from experiences in life. I choose objects that evoke childhood memories, create situations of atmospheric mystery, and bring visual interest through interaction. I’m intrigued by subtle shifts in value and color; yet seek a personal interpretation of the objects rather than a replication. Personality is revealed through the process of painting. Abstract remnants from my process remain visible in the final product. The hand must obey the spirit. "

April 22, 2008

sketchbook pics

Below are moments chosen from my sketchbooks. Most of them are studies from other paintings. I like studying and learning the way other artists solve the complexities of nature through art. 
Euan Uglow "Beautiful Girl Lying Down"
Study from John Singer Sargent's painting "dinner at night." Sargent is one of my favorite artists and the best figure painter of all time. So, I draw little sketches to study his skills. 
study from David Levine
study from a degas drawing. I was lucky enough to see the beautiful exhibit of degas drawings, paintings and sculptures in LA. After that, I immediately grew a new appreciation for degas sensitivity to line and light. This is my favorite drawing of his. 
life drawing at the U of U{that shady character with the hat is me}
study from Paul oxbenougers painting "the dance"
Study from Whistler
I love fashion. It's true, everything about it is captivating. the textures, colors and especially fashion photography. I love the simplicity and the dramatic nature of the photo I drew this from.  I think it was from the 30's 
A drawing of my friend Kourtney above
life drawing during my second year at the U
Study from John Sargent
Life drawing at the U
Study
Study from Macdowell. Can you see what it is? 
"the pathetic song"
Adam and Eve
drawing at a cafe
"la Carmencita" by Sargent
"Almina" John Sargent
"Miss Sybil Sassoon" by Sargent
Fathers day 2007, I spent the day going on a hike and drawing a colorful, textured hill top.
Study from Lipke, whom I love!
Degas
Drawing people while waiting in Delhi, India's airport. 
This is my beautiful husband. I drew him while on a train in southeast Asia. Check out that stylish mullet, love it!
Random lady in Bulgaria. 
Lady eating lunch in France
Life drawing at the U of U
Life drawing in Patty Kimbles lovely class at the U of U. 
Also from life drawing 05
Study from Sargent
 below is from an airport in Thailand with no air conditioning. It was beyond hot. 

April 4, 2008

January 16, 2008

Little Pioneer 12 x 12
Seven Sprouts 24 x 30
red chair 12 x 12

January 11, 2008

design sponge

Make sure to check out this link; Design sponge just featured me as an artist to watch http://www.designspongeonline.com/2008/01/chelsea-james.html

January 9, 2008

Bobbis Painitng

This painting is for Bobbis new house. Its so big, I have to drag it into my studio and paint sitting down.

December 14, 2007

"Corn Meal"
24 x 24
Oil on Canvas

"Omniture Green 2" 24 x 24 Oil on Canvas

"Black Chair " 12 x 12 Oil on Board

October 30, 2007

color combos

these are color combos I am choosing from for a commissioned painting. I tried to find colors that Bobby liked- lavender, blues, turquoise, you catch my drift. color theory 1 Magenta's, earthy peach with warm lavender. color theory 2 Warm blues with a tint of alizeron and gold accents. color theory 3 Sand, Sky blues and deep red. color theory 4 color theory 5
color theory 6 color theory 7 color theory 8 color theory 9 color theory 10
**** This one is my favorite. The poppy orange combo with sand, chartreuse and subdued turquoise