Inspired by time spent in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho, Kate Browning has created a remarkable series of abstracted nature paintings. Her paintings are suggestive of the region’s natural wonders: flora and fauna, flowing streams and reflecting lakes, big skies and jagged mountain silhouettes. Using techniques such as washes, scrubbing, pouring and over-painting, the artist captures a sense of the ever evolving landscape, the ceaseless changes of weather, and the continual passing of the seasons. Working on unstretched canvases that hang like tapestries, her paintings convey a freshness and directness that is sure to captivate and inspire the viewer. Browning has managed to create grand nature paintings that remain unpretentious and very human.
“My present work is a reflection of what I have positively experienced in those areas of the Sawtooth National Forest, which have not been touched by too much civilization.
“I love the unexpected as I work. Sometimes a painting is resolved by turning it upside down. Sometimes a shape, mark or color is changed even though it isn’t true to reality. It just feels appropriate in the painting. Sometimes I will cannibalize a portion of a work and partially scrape away a too perfect image. And sometimes a 2 quart can of Titanium White oil paint is poured over the work and oddly completes it.
“But most of all, I just love the mark itself whether it is produced consciously or unconsciously. I love observing where it wanders and what form it takes. That is really my greatest joy.”
Kate Browning received her BFA from Otis College of Art and Design.
For further information please contact Jeff Gambill, Director.
