Ellen Fuller
New Mexico, USA, Great Egret, acrylic, 36 x 48" (91 x 122 cm)
My Inspiration
This painting was inspired by a great egret wading in water at the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island, Florida. The stark contrast of the soft white feathers against the dark gnarled wood fascinated me. Since my inspiration comes from nature I am always surrounded by things I want to paint. Nature’s beauty lies in the intricacies and minute details that are often missed or overlooked. I understand the fruits of concentration and reverence. There is always a creative energy that wants to express itself through me. As an artist I understand the crucial role of surrendering to the work, to its possibilities.
My Design Strategy
My work is about visual intimacy and results from intense observation: a process of immersion that involves my contemplation and concentration, frustration and exhilaration. The painting process is both absorbing and soul satisfying. I infuse each brushstroke with my experience of peace and soulfulness while words recede and the awareness of the passage of time fades away. To me, this is creative energy in its purest form—the ability to make something happen, to bring something into existence. My lifelong practices of T’ai Chi/qigong and meditation translate into an energetic flow and personal expression in my paintings.
My Working Process
Before putting paint to canvas I studied the patterns in the wood along with the egret’s movements and bone structure and then created a series of preliminary sketches from the photos I had taken. Coming up with the concept was a long, thought-out process. Using a limited palette helped me concentrate on the details, composition and brushstrokes. This gave me a complete understanding of the bark’s fascinating textures. I painted values intuitively as I went along, contrasting darks against lights to create visual interest while establishing depth. Painting a light value draws the viewer’s attention to the bird, creating a focal point. Sequestering myself in my studio connects me to a space within my heart. The painting then reveals itself.