This painting is inspired by the arboretum at Carleton College in Northfield, MN. Growing up in Northfield, this was a place we visited often to experience a refreshing landscape and stroll the many paths in the area. The beauty of these natural elements is represented in my work through the use of earth, fire and water as mediums to create my paintings. I use wood panels as my substrate to bring in a part of the earth and add a natural movement to the piece through the wood grain found on each panel. Heat is used to create the burned underpainting. This brings in another natural element that adds to the depth and contrast of the final piece. Lastly, I used watercolor to add the colors and textures found in the landscape while allowing the natural wood grain to show through intentionally.

Pyrography and Watercolor on Wood Panel

30.5” x 20.25”