Elaine Heitzer
Artist's Statement
Watercolor is my medium of choice, allowing me to convey the emotions that nature uniquely stirs within me. While I've experimented with oils and acrylics, it is the fluidity of watercolor that resonates most deeply with my soul. When I immerse myself in the natural world, I find inspiration in the serenity and majesty that surrounds me—particularly in water, rocks, and trees. God's creation offers a unique blend of excitement and peace, and it's this dichotomy I aim to capture through my art. I am currently exploring semi-abstraction, a style that more clearly conveys the emotions I experience.
My creative journey often begins with a photograph—an image that captures a beautiful arrangement or an intriguing interplay of shapes. Yet, what truly anchors me to a scene is how it makes me feel. Whether it’s the play of light on a surface, the mesmerizing flow of water over rocks, or the nostalgic recall of childhood adventures in the woods, the emotional response to a place is my true muse.
Pursuing inspiration, I venture to places like Montana, where the scale of the landscape is a stark contrast to my Pennsylvania home. The vast mountains and cascading waterfalls exhilarate me, offering a new perspective. At home, I find inspiration in the shapes and patterns found within my flower garden—a living testament to growth and hope in my life.
In terms of technique, I begin each piece with a loose sketch using a large chunk of graphite. This initial sketch is designed to prevent me from becoming overly focused on details too soon. Using bold colors and a large stiff brush, I apply the first layers in a wet-in-wet technique, which helps establish directional shapes. As the paper dries, I refine the composition with smaller shapes, carefully preserving the unique and serendipitous color mixes that occur naturally. Finally, I add dark tones to emphasize movement and highlight the focal points, drawing viewers into the scene and inviting them to share in the emotions I've endeavored to convey.
