Tag: urbanscapes

  • Touch Upon the Terra: Hannah Richman

    Touch Upon the Terra: Hannah Richman

    After spending the past two years going from small town to small town, I’m still kind of in awe of Seattle buildings.  From what I happen to think is one of the prettiest skylines in the country ( if not THE prettiest! ) to the fantastic examples of  modern architecture and traditional storefronts.  The paintings of Massachusetts artist Hannah Richman  explores the facade of the urban landscape, man’s touch upon the terra.

    Richman_Fulkerson Street II_oil on canvas_30x24
    Fulkserson Street II, oil on canvas, 30×24

    Especially here in this city surrounded by such amazing natural beauty ( Hello, Cascade Mountains!  Hello, Olympic Mountains!  Holy cow, you are huge, Mt. Rainier! ), it’s interesting to note how some buildings seem to perfectly fit into the landscape.  For instance, as I type this, I’m looking out the window at a Mid-Century apartment building that perfectly hugs and nestles into the landscape, it’s lines mimicking the hills beyond.

    Richman_Untitled
    Untitled, oil on canvas
    Richman_Felton Street VI_oil on canvas_55.5x42.75
    Felton Street VI, oil on canvas, 55.5×42.75
    Richman_Fulkerson Street I_oil on canvas_18x14
    Fulkerson Street I, oil on canvas, 18×14

    Then there are other examples, where we see the hand of man has rushed in and decimated everything in its path for the sake of commerce.  Wonderful old neighborhood storefronts are abandoned for the lure of the shiny new strip mall.  It happens in most cities in all states and more and more, many countries.

    Richman_Earle Street_oil on canvas_36x24
    Earle Street, oil on canvas, 36×24

    Richman’s work illuminates these man made structures as she catches them in mother nature’s light.  And for a moment, they seem to have been there always.

    To see more of Hannah Richman’s work, please visit her website.

    All images are via the artist’s website.

  • Artful Wanderings: Catherine Beaudette

    Artful Wanderings: Catherine Beaudette

    When you travel as much as Mr. Forager and I do, there is always a danger of confusing memories of where we’ve been and when!  One of our favorite post-dinner-over-a-glass-of-wine past times is watching the screensaver slideshow of all our adventures.  The Global Cities series of paintings by Toronto artist Catherine Beaudette seem to be an artful conglomeration of urban wanderings.

    Funnel by Catherine Beaudette
    Funnel, oil, 36×27

    In Beaudette’s paintings, buildings, interiors, and vistas overlap one another, so that we’re never quite sure exactly where we are.  Its as if the artist is painting the most special memories of each place.. the way the light and shadows feel through a window, beautiful lines of architecture, the warmth of a spring day.

    Strada by Catherine Beaudette
    Strada, oil, 36×27
    Corridor by Catherine Beaudette
    Corridor, oil, 36×27

    The farther we travel from some places, the more fuzzy our memories become.  Like Beaudette’s work, we may remember the most beautiful parts of each place, taking with us only the good and happily leaving behind any darkness.

    Balustrade by Catherine Beaudette
    Balustrade, oil, 36×27

    To see more of Catherine Beaudette’s work, please visit her website.  Mr. F & I definitely have a few places we’ve been that we’ve grown fonder of over time, thanks to good memories overshadowing the bad.  How do you keep track of your travels?  Old fashioned photo albums, post card collections?

    Artist found via Sopa Fine Arts.

  • Under an Urban Sky: Jennifer Seymour

    Under an Urban Sky: Jennifer Seymour

    I don’t know what it is about this time of year, but it makes me crave a big city.  A city with bustling sidewalks and tall buildings.  Mr. Forager and I are still trying to figure out if we’re urban or small town people.  The work of British Columbian artist Jennifer Seymour definitely has me leaning toward big city life.

    Oscillations, mixed media on panel, 48×24

    Seymour’s works begin as photographs she’s saved and collected over time and are then reworked with layers of charcoal, pastel and glaze resulting in pieces that glow.  It’s as if all those reflective surfaces and city lights are caught in one hurried moment after another.

    Jump Start, mixed media on panel, 24×24
    Distant Constellation, mixed media on panel, 48×24

    These mixed media works capture what I love most about urban centers– the energy, that glimpse of mountains or river just beyond the skyscrapers, the feeling of endless possibility and opportunity.

    Skywalk, mixed media on panel, 48×24

    To see more of Jennifer Seymour’s work, please visit her website.  I’ll be here in yet another small town, dreaming of a more metropolitan life. 😉

    Artist found via one of her representing galleries, Sopa Fine Arts.

    All images are via the artist’s website.