Susan Jacoby - October Featured Artist

Observing and engaging with nature provides me with the language to create my own silent spaces. Surrounded by a wealth of ever-changing inspiration from the shores of Lake Michigan, I am drawn to expansive vistas, shifting skyscapes, and ephemeral atmospheric conditions. Rather than a realistic depiction of a place, my paintings evoke the remembrance of a moment, combining observation with imagination.

Ultimately, I intend to do with paint what nature does with light. My paintings begin from direct observation which is then captured through photographs. I work in many thin layers of oil paint beginning with an all-over “sketch” that is done in brighter colors. This illuminates the muted tones as more translucent layers and glazes are applied. As the process continues the colors become more diluted, the edges softened, and I begin to obstruct and reveal elements of the landscape. While the images become more simplified the depth is enhanced.

While my initial inspiration is the outside world, it is merely reference material for communicating my own visceral experience of a fleeting view. I grasp what is essential, distilling the shapes, colors and images into an evocative and engaging experience. This process then opens a portal to a quiet and reflective space for mindful contemplation.