How do you find inspiration? How did you develop your unique style?
Jean K. Schwartz: I find inspiration in the landscape that is most familiar to me, particularly that along the Potomac River from the foothills of the Blue Ridge, through Washington DC and below as it runs to the Chesapeake. Our moist climate provides beautiful, ephemeral, atmospheric moments. These light effects give me the opportunity to experiment with luminous color and diffuse light.
Over the years I have explored ways of creating the subtle color gradations and translucent light that I want in my paintings. Working first wet on wet and then wet on dry the process can be a slow one and working with a limited palette helps me to not get lost when mixing color. Soft edges and a more tonal quality to my palette have emerged as a result of realizing my inspiration.
My upcoming solo exhibition “Local Atmosphere” at Calloway Fine Art and Consulting in Georgetown, DC, will be as the title describes, 24 paintings depicting my favorite local landscapes bathed in soft light throughout the seasons.
LOCAL ATMOSPHERE, October 14th to November 11th 2023, reception October 14, 4:00 to 6:00; Calloway Fine Art and Consulting, 1643 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington, DC, 20007; 202-965-4601; www.callowayart.com
To see more of Jean’s work, visit:
website
