“To capture the unexpected colors and light conditions found on location, you have to be flexible as an artist. Within a period of three hours, the shifting light can completely alter the appearance of the landscape. You must look, respond, and then paint.”
~ Albert Handell

Painting landscapes in pastel is a way to preserve my memory of the countryside as a tangible image for all to experience. The landscapes are my response to a personal memory or event that has happened there at some point in my life. Memories not only of the person or people I was with, but also memories of the weather and light at that time. Many of my works are created en plein air; however some works are also created in the studio, from snapshots and sketches on location. As I render a landscape, I concentrate on the dark and light areas interchanging as my memory works itself into the process. Having grown up on a farm, I value being outside in nature, whether in parks, reserves or land owned by family or friends. Creating landscapes helps in this love, letting me experience nature to its greatest extent.

Creating art is a release for me by doing something I enjoy. It can be compared to scribbling away on a journal page, only instead of seeing phrases, one sees a visual diary. Pastels lend themselves to this instantaneous thought process, removing the restrictions of mixing colors, cleaning palettes, and the necessity of other tools. Using pastels is a way to strengthen myself by creating and working out issues simultaneously, exposing the thoughts and feelings I am having at that point in time.

Lori's pastels will be exhibited during the Spring Art Tour at the
Mazomanie Historic Art Center | 103 Crescent Street, Mazomanie, WI 53560
Lori's cell phone: 608-206-7142 | Lori's e-mail: lori@lorihaackpastels.com