Drawing and painting natural forms and shapes has always been very satisfying to me. I am amazed by the speed at which a vista can change due to lighting and the effect of reflections off surfaces, water droplets or particles suspended in the air. It is a terrific challenge to portray a suitable visual rendering while coping with these transformations. The dimensions of mood and mystery caused by clouds rolling in, thunder clouds forming, rain threatening, or smoke filtering across the sky are exciting. The satisfaction of capturing a moment is worth the struggle with the changing elements. For me an important part of the painting process is to locate a place where I can study visual phenomena and choose a vantage point for sketching and painting a good composition. Finishing a painting is often difficult as I am so busy re-defining and experimenting. Working in studio from a photo is not comparable to “plein air” drawing and painting, but can help me realize closure on a painting that wouldn’t “finish” before time runs out.
I like using my artwork to capture the story evident in a landscape, story that portrays culture, suggests history, and demonstrates how the land and its life forms have evolved and been conditioned by the elements. Putting my paints and drawing tools to work analyzing and interpreting special “visual” moments gives me a lot of satisfaction.
When I paint, I enter into a special consuming relationship with the land, a state of timelessness interrupted only by the ache in my back and my neck. I am challenged by my artwork as I seek a clearer understanding of self and existence. It satisfies my preoccupation for creating and gives me opportunity to experiment with media and techniques.
My present goal is to produce a collection of paintings that depict Saskatchewan landscapes in a memorable way that will satisfy my appreciation for the land, our culture, our history and in so doing excite a similar interest in others.
What you should know
Name: Roger Occupation: Artist, Art Educator Favorite Camera: Nikon Coolpix P50 Favorite Subjects: Landscape painting, art history, illustration, printmaking Favorite Journal: Robert Genn Favorite Vacation Spot: Lac LaRonge in northern Saskatchewan; North Slope in Arctic Alaska, Personal Motto: Intuition will tell the thinking mind where to look next." - Jonas,Salk