Missy Savard
ARTIST STATEMENT
My upcoming show “A Sense of Place” will include paintings and monotypes that are drawn from the stillness and calm of the nearby coastline, local river valleys with their subtle, undulating landscape. I also find subject matter in architectural gems that have withstood the test of time. The placid perspectives invite viewers to seek peace and refuge, and the buildings speak from mute observations imbued over many years. In both subjects, I strive to share a silence that invites reflective contemplation. I look at my paintings as meditations; hoping that when people see them they are transported to a place that is familiar and easy for them. Artist and Curator Jane Sutherland remarked, “Missy Savard’s paintings create a sense of déjà vu and serenity because they evoke places you may remember, or imagine having being there, urging you to return”.
I primarily paint on location, en plein air. Direct observation allows me to translate the light and color of a particular location as I try to capture a specific point in time. The angle of the light, time of day, temperature and even humidity help to inform my painting. I am looking for an authentic representation to express the spirit and essence of the moment and work to distill the complexities of being outside to something that can articulate a feeling of calm.
Influenced by the tonalists, I connect with the temperature of the day, to create a diffused light, sending the eye around the canvas. How I choose to handle the light of a particular time is what determines the values and ultimately the subtlety or the sharpness of the hues that I choose. The use of cold wax medium mixed with the oils allows for a layer of transparency and helps keep the edges less sharp. It extends the dry time so I can realize a translucence, giving a chance to place subsequent layers upon the canvas, sometimes scraping into the surface for added depth. The wax allows for a looser technique and lends an extra, not expected hand, a bit of freedom and leeway that I appreciate. A lot is also determined by the matrix I use. I love to paint on linen, but, often when outside, I tend to defer to board which is more reasonable for travel.
Growing up in a family of artists, I find inspiration in paintings by George Inness and Whistler. I love George Inness’ quote “The purpose of the painter is simply…to awaken an emotion.” John Singer Sargent, William Merritt Chase, John Twachtman, along with French painter Daubigny are others who have had impact and influence on my work.
I primarily paint on location, en plein air. Direct observation allows me to translate the light and color of a particular location as I try to capture a specific point in time. The angle of the light, time of day, temperature and even humidity help to inform my painting. I am looking for an authentic representation to express the spirit and essence of the moment and work to distill the complexities of being outside to something that can articulate a feeling of calm.
Influenced by the tonalists, I connect with the temperature of the day, to create a diffused light, sending the eye around the canvas. How I choose to handle the light of a particular time is what determines the values and ultimately the subtlety or the sharpness of the hues that I choose. The use of cold wax medium mixed with the oils allows for a layer of transparency and helps keep the edges less sharp. It extends the dry time so I can realize a translucence, giving a chance to place subsequent layers upon the canvas, sometimes scraping into the surface for added depth. The wax allows for a looser technique and lends an extra, not expected hand, a bit of freedom and leeway that I appreciate. A lot is also determined by the matrix I use. I love to paint on linen, but, often when outside, I tend to defer to board which is more reasonable for travel.
Growing up in a family of artists, I find inspiration in paintings by George Inness and Whistler. I love George Inness’ quote “The purpose of the painter is simply…to awaken an emotion.” John Singer Sargent, William Merritt Chase, John Twachtman, along with French painter Daubigny are others who have had impact and influence on my work.