Riding a wave all the way from the Jersey Shore
THE JERSEY SHORE FEELS NEAR TO ‘MODERN TRADITIONALIST’ PAINTER LISA STRETTON
Whether modern coastal, floral or abstract, Lisa Stretton’s artistry encompasses nature, geometric forms and vibrant colors.
“My love for painting drives me to look deeper into my surrounding environment. I look for patterns in nature and capture it from different perspectives,” says Stretton, owner of Lisa Stretton Art Design in Westport. A certified interior designer and former special-education geometry teacher, Stretton’s background allows her to understand and appreciate dimension and perspective from a mathematical point of view. “I’m able to visualize space and recognize the way different shapes and figures can fit together.”
Spending a large portion of her childhood at the Jersey Shore, Stretton became enamored of water and enjoyed sketching and painting while immersing herself in the area’s natural beauty.
“The beach takes my mind away from the constant demands of everyday life and brings me to a place of pure happiness. When painting, I aspire to have people become lost in my art and deliver a sense of calmness and contentedness,” she says.
Stretton has numerous pieces displayed at Westport River Gallery and local businesses, including Lions Paw and Company in Fairfield.
Recently, Stretton shared her artistic vision.
Q: You describe yourself as a modern traditionalist. Please explain.
LS: I often take traditional themes of seascapes, landscapes and flowers and paint them encompassing all styles of representational art. I focus on the light source to add depth, color and movement while incorporating an abstract component to a traditional subject. These paintings have the timelessness of traditional paintings but are adaptable to the current trends in modern décor.
Q: What theme(s) does your artwork embody?
LS: My emotions of the day initiate the theme of my painting. If I’m in need of experiencing tranquility, I tend to paint coastal pieces. If I’m feeling overwhelmed by life, my paintings become more abstract. I often gravitate to painting coastal pieces inspired by places near home or that I’ve visited while on vacation. Even my abstract pieces come from something I’ve seen during one of my strolls around town or exploring the outdoors.
Q: How does your art incorporate light, color and motion to create an emotional feeling and connection to everyday life?
LS: I accomplish movement and the sense of light through the fluid movement of my brushstroke and the use of color. I create depth and motion through layering whether with paint or some other form of mixed media. I often use white and silver or gold metallic paint to help create the light source. I paint with passion and my work invites the viewer to interpret my paintings from their perspective.
Q: What is the most unique piece you’ve ever created?
LS: A painting called “Love at First Sight.” It's a 48” x 60” navy and green abstract piece that has a subtle image of two people facing each other. It was intentional for the people to have no recognizable gender. The piece represents the mystery and unknown journey of when two people meet for the first time. Individuals never know where life is going to bring them or how greatly one person can impact your life. The space between the people signifies the journey of the relationship.
Q: Why does art matter?
LS: It brings your mind to a different place. It helps you to experience life through the eyes of the artist, but with the filter of your own life experiences, philosophies and interpretation. Art opens your eyes and teaches about the past, present and future. Each time a piece of art is viewed the interpretation changes and takes the viewer on an inner journey. Art allows me to express my thoughts without the difficulty of having to choose the right words to communicate the emotion or feeling I’m trying to convey.
Q: What medium do you prefer to work in and why?
LS: I've always been drawn to painting on canvas, although I also enjoy experimenting on different mediums, such as metal and wood. From time to time I will use a palette knife to create different textures, but nothing beats the feel and motion of a traditional paintbrush in my hand. I also enjoy working with oil paint because it flows and blends beautifully, creating brilliant colors. When painting abstract pieces, I lean toward acrylic, especially if layering or texturing is involved in the piece.
Q: Were you always creative as a child?
LS: As a preschooler, I used to draw roses and designs for hours on end. Once I entered middle school, I spent my summers painting outdoors, taking art classes, and participating in various art competitions. My love for art continued to grow right through my high school years. No matter what project I had to create, I put an artistic spin on it.
Q: Who are your role models and what inspires you?
LS: My elementary school art teacher, Ms. Antonelli, introduced me to the world of painting. I fell in love with Georgia O’Keefe from the time I was little. I loved her close-up paintings of flowers and believe this was my inspiration for the countless number of close-up pictures of flowers I take. I love taking photos that have an interesting feature in the foreground with the beach, water or mountains in the background. I use these photos as inspiration for paintings. I’ve also been inspired by architect, Zaha Hadid whose unexpected designs, fluid forms, and use of geometry inspire me to utilize motion and nature in my paintings.
Q: Having three school-age children, how do you find time to paint?
LS: My love of art bloomed when my boys had projects. We created together and soon realized how much I missed painting. I found inner peace and tranquility as I lost myself in my art. I discovered the boys also have artistic talent and enjoy painting and photography. I often give them a canvas and let them paint alongside me.
Q: Why are you passionate about painting?
LS: It brings comfort to my life. It helps me express myself when words fail. There are no mistakes in paintings, just creations. I get anxious when life gets in the way and prevents me from working in my studio. It brings me pure happiness when I bring joy to other people through my art.