Image: Maria Paterson Two girl trapeze 48cm x 38cm pastel
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www.mariapaterson.com
Maria Paterson
I am a figurative artist, my current work is based on the performances of the spaghetti circus.
The mediums I work in are pastel on sanded paper or oils on stretched canvas. To emphasise the lighting I prepare the ground with a dark wash around the figures and leave the figures the white of the paper or canvas. In the case of the oils I build up multiple layers of thinned colour using the full colour spectrum.
I begin by taking digital photos at the performances of the circus. From these photos I choose compositions with strong structural elements and contrasting lighting. Im drawn to figures that have strong expressive qualities and postures or physical arrangements that provide a possible narrative that would be explored.
I work straight onto the canvas with charcoal to capture a sense of immediacy and expressiveness so that the figures don?t have a stilted or planned feeling.
When building up the painted surface I apply as much detail and attention to the background as the foreground and figures so they have as equal as an importance and relationship to the overall design of the work.
Whilst it is a truism that our lives are a balance of struggles, challenges and triumphs, my use of the circus is a perfect metaphor for exploring these elements of life. For instance I use areas of high contrast in colour and light to represent the dualities of our existence.
I like to create a stage where the background recedes into the unknown disappearing into the void. The figures are in the bright light the focus of our attention or maybe with ourselves or each other. Many of the props and objects in the paintings take on symbolic meanings with movement and poses replicating aspects of life.
My work is currently represented with Paul du plessis investment gallery 82 in Adelaide and I participate in various group exhibitions. I am available for some commissions throughout the year.