Art Xpressions by Phyllis Howard

Phyllis Howard

Burlington, WA - United States

I create art as an imaginative outlet, often to capture either a design or color or some visual expression. I frequently see something that sparks an interest and begin contemplating it. Recently someone mentioned they were looking for paintings in black and white of trees and that triggered the idea. I love trying out new ideas and techniques.

I work with graphite almost daily. It�s such a simple, familiar medium and I sketch whatever catches my imagination and on anything including envelope backs and napkins. In my process, I usually make multiple sketches prior to beginning the actual piece trying out different compositions and light sources. When I have decided on a composition, I make a final sketch on graphite paper scaled to the dimensions of the support. Many of my graphite pieces have been completed while relaxing, watching TV in the evenings. Animals are usually my subjects for graphite work and I enjoy adding a splash of color as the artist in me gets to decide where to add it, thereby transforming a piece from an illustration into an artistic rendering.

Working with color pencil is similar with the exception that I consider the colors needed, how to attain those colors, what type of application is needed to achieve the effect. My preference is to use very saturated colors since I like vibrant shades. I want my color pencil pieces to have enough depth of color that it appears to be a painting rather than a drawing.

My paintings are done in acrylic. I�m a devotee of this most versatile medium and use it like watercolor or as a heavy impasto and all types of applications in between. Again my paintings begin with sketches on paper and then the composition is transferred to a canvas, board or wall in the case of murals. In my textural collages I love using transparent colors laying them down keeping the translucent quality so light appears to glow through the color.

Currently I am using thicker paints, incorporating acrylic mediums and gels into my work and developing a freer style which is becoming even more fun. I�m enjoying creating more abstract work with a great deal of texture.

As an artist I continually grow and morph and explore. That�s the great beauty of art - you never �arrive� but develop forever.

'Art is the colors and textures of your imagination.' ~Meghan, Los Cerros Middle School, 1999