Study


This past year I have been thinking more about how we continue to learn and grow as artists. I think this is partly because I teach drawing, but also I am more and more aware of internal and external pressure to do "finished" and "good" work. I feel surrounded by a culture that considers art (to quote Fairfield Porter) "a raw material for a factory that produces a commodity called understanding".
I decided to follow Vincent van Gogh's directive: "Love what you love" and have been doing studies of paintings that I love. It has been comforting and instructive. Comforting because it reminds me that I am not alone. And instructive - well! Look at how Bonnard uses color!! (see below)

Mary Shea
Spring 2012
Seattle