ABOUT THE ARTIST
Takeyce Walter is truly inspired by the landscape. This is ever apparent when standing before any of her paintings. Walter’s paintings, both large and small, present the landscape of the northeast in all its glory. There is a great sense of calm, peace, and stillness in each piece.
Many of the paintings feature the rural landscape of upstate New York, the Adirondacks, and Vermont. Walter is especially inspired by the Hudson, Mohawk and Ausable rivers.
Takeyce Walter is a painter whose return to painting in 2005 has been documented on a self-published blog, aptly named; A Fine Art Blog (http://takeyceart.com/blog). She made a commitment to finishing at least one painting a week and started blogging to help track her progress. Many years later, Takeyce has maintained that commitment and is currently producing art on a regular basis. Her work is emerging, and pouring forth in these prolific years.
In addition to exhibiting her paintings online, she also exhibits in local venues. Her art has found homes in many private collections locally, nationally, and internationally.
ARTIST STATEMENT
“True art is characterized by an irresistible urge in the creative artist.” Albert Einstein
I am inspired. The beauty found in nature often overwhelms me, and I am driven by that irresistible urge to capture that beauty and share it with others.
My recent work reflects the beauty I see in the natural landscape around me. I am most inspired by, and drawn to quiet and calming scenes. The paintings are of places I’ve experienced with all of my senses, composed with intent to recreate the wonderful impressions left upon me.
I have a deep love and appreciation for the open spaces of the Northeast, and upstate New York; where I call home. I especially love the rivers, lakes, and mountains of the Adirondacks.
My process of creating art is nourishing, energizing and draining all at once. My goal when starting a painting is to capture the impression that a place has left on me. I need not lay down every blade of grass, to capture the mood and atmosphere that originally drew me to a composition. I lay down as little or as much paint needed to invoke that sweet memory of the initial experience.
I am inspired, and I hope that my work inspires others to see the beauty around us.
ABOUT THE WORK – Paint and Pastels
I work with both pastels and oil paint. I have an equal affinity for both mediums. Each serves its purpose.
OILS: I use a variety of professional grade oils. My palette consists of roughly 6 – 10 colors including Titanium White, Alizarin Crimson, French Ultramarine, Cad Orange, Cad Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Manganese Violet, and Phthalo Blue.
CARING FOR ORIGINAL OIL PAINTINGS
Oil paintings have been around for centuries. Oils can be hung framed or unframed. A rule of thumb is to never hang your original art in direct sunlight. You can dust your painting every so often with a soft dry cloth. This will keep thick layers of dust from building up on the surface of the painting.
I use professional archival grade paints, and grounds. Most of my oil paintings are done on canvas and at times GessoBord. I don’t usually varnish my work, but can do so if you would like.
PASTELS: Pastels have also been around for centuries. They have been used by notable old masters such as Jean Baptiste Simeon Chardin, Edgar Degas, and Mary Cassatt as well as modern masters Wolf Kahn, and Daniel Greene.
Pastels are made from the same pigments used to produce all colored art media, including oil paints. Instead of oils, a binding agent is added to the pigments to create a chalk-like stick, which is applied to a textured surface, usually paper. Pastels are available in an array of colors, and many paintings done centuries ago still maintain their original vibrancy today.
I am a huge fan of pastels because of its immediacy. No mixing colors, or waiting for paint to dry. I use acid free sanded paper/panel as my ground – Colorfix Art Spectrum paper, PastelBord, or Sennelier pastel card.
CARING FOR ORIGINAL PASTELS
Pastels should never be placed in direct sunlight or in any areas prone to excessive moisture. I do not use a fixative on my finished paintings, so they should be handled very carefully. To avoid smudging, never touch the surface of the painting. Pastels should be framed under glass to protect the finished painting from damage. I recommend museum UV glass. It’s glare free, and virtually invisible allowing the art to be seen from any angle. Pastels can be framed with, or without a mat using spacers to separate the art from the glass.
I am happy to frame any painting – oil or pastel. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via email.
