LaVone Sterling
LaVone Sterling
Sierra Art Trails 2015 Catalog #20
Art is in everyone! It just needs the inspiration and opportunity to find its way onto paper and express itself. As children we all drew pictures of flowers, trees, our house, our family and our dog . With each picture we told a story. Somewhere along the line most of us got very busy taking care of life and the storytelling was lost. Thankfully, however, there are a handful of gifted people who are compelled and are inspired to tell nature’s story. We call them artists.
LaVone Sterling, The Light Fantastic
As a pastel artist I am often asked where I find inspiration for my paintings. Now I recognize that what I see as beautiful and mysterious others may see as mundane and uninteresting. For example I think sage brush with colors of turquoise and orange is beautiful. It is a survivor of dry days and frozen nights and it sparkles with life. The challenge here is to see the story and to be inspired by it – and to let it translate from your heart. I love painting en plein air. It is the best way to call upon all of the senses so important for a successful painting . See the geometry in everything. Smell the dampness of the earth. Hear the music as the wind bends the grass. When you allow these things to feed your soul and you are enveloped by the quiet serenity of the moment – inspiration follows.
LaVone Sterling, Rhapsody in Purple
I paint every day – or nearly so and since weather is a factor in painting outdoors, I also paint in my studio. On those occasions I may begin with a reference photo or multiple photos, but I never stick with the photo as much of the time the painting begins to lead me in a different direction. Intuitively, I pick up a pastel stick and if a stream or road is required to improve the composition, I add it. I paint because I love to paint. I am lucky to be published in several art magazines and two books. I have received awards in several international art exhibitions and my work dons the lid of a Sennilier Pastel box . But the frosting on the cake is when someone views my art and feels the quiet peacefulness that exists all around us.
Sierra Art Trails Open Studio Tour is Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 2, 3 and 4, 2015.
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Images and biography submitted by the artist
