Artist Statement
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Clean color and sharp contrast created by light and shadow best describe my work inwatercolors, oilsand acrylics. By focusing on a close-up view or an interesting angle, a variety of subjects can be dramatized by building forms with strong values. Andrea Vincent is inspired by her travels that include Antarctica, Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, Central and South America, Africa, Europe, The Balkans, China, Tibet, and Japan. On her annual visits to Bermuda and the U.S. Southwest, she prefers to work on location; however, she often finds it helpful to capture images in photographs for future paintings. She works mainly in her art studio located at the Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Arts in Chicago, Illinois. I rarely paint directly from one photograph, but rather a group of images will provoke a memory of a moment I want to capture. As a result, the artfulness, composition, and quality of my photographs add to the quality of my paintings. The photographs allow experimentation with light, angles, color, and composition of the subject. Andrea Vincent is a member of numerous organizations and is a Signature member of the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, Allied Artists of America, Inc, Philadelphia Watercolor Society, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, and the Taos Society of Watercolorists. “International Artist” magazine awarded her as a Landscape Finalist and also included additional paintings in three publications, titled “100 Ways to Paint Flowers and Gardens, Vol. 1”, “100 Ways to Paint Your Favorite Subject, Vol. 1”, and “100 Ways to Paint Still Lifes and Florals, Vol. 2”. In addition, Amoco Corporation, Annuity and Life Reinsurance, Chicago Council on Foreign Relations, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, CRE Properties Ltd, Tuckers Point, Bermuda Properties, Ltd., and Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel, Bermuda, include her work in their corporate collections. To see her paintings and for a complete list of juried shows, awards, publications, and corporate collections see www.andreavincent.com.
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“WATERCOLOR IS FLUID SIMPLICITY”
| Watercolor is fluid simplicity. It is a combination of transparent pigments mixed with pure water; however, thousands of combinations of pigments may produce a clean and vibrant display of color with a variety of subtle effects. Granulation and texture can be achieved with selected pigments. Color can also be affected by the chemical composition of the water in a particular location. For example, I can not duplicate the unique colors I produce from mixing my paints with the only source of water on the island of Bermuda…rain. In addition, watercolor is by far the most travel friendly medium I know. Watercolor is fluid simplicity. Using only one large kolinsky sable watercolor brush, selected transparent artist grade watercolor paints, chosen for light-fastness and permanency, and 100% cotton 300 lb. cold press watercolor paper attached with tape to a Plexiglas support, I have all the materials I need to create a painting. Beginning with a detailed drawing directly on the watercolor paper, I map out the warm and cool values of the composition with thin washes of watercolor. During the painting process, I continually work on contrasting values, beautiful shapes, balance and harmony, and patterns of light and shadow. Then, layer-by-layer, I build up rich and intense transparent color until the colors become brilliant and sparkle. Dark shadows and backgrounds are created with more pigment and less water. Watercolor is often described as “unforgiving”; however, my methodical approach helps to maximize my success. Control of the medium can be difficult but unexpected thrilling surprises can happen by letting the pigment flow naturally. I let watercolor flow - with some control. Watercolor is fluid simplicity. Although I sometimes paint with oil and acrylic, I always return to watercolor with enthusiasm. It is easy to clean up and dries quickly, but most of all it is enjoyable to experience. All my paintings are inspired by my own visual experiences. Although color photographs of my travels serve as my memory for compositions, my imagination translates the subject matter into an original painting. When not on location on my annual month long painting trips to Bermuda and California, I work in my art studio at the Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Arts in Chicago. |
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