ARTIST STATEMENT

The inspiration for the Landscape Suite imagery is the natural landscape of the West Kootenay region of British Columbia. The landscape is of mountain spires draped in deep snow and glaciers. It is famous for its unparalleled beauty and rugged terrain. Valleys are squeezed between the majestic Selkirk and Purcell Mountain ranges, with Vallhalla and Kokanee Provincial Parks as destinations. Ribboned throughout the mountains are hiking trails and climbing routes. These access the peaks and gladed valleys that I use to gain the unique vistas and vantage points seen in my watercolour paintings.

The methodology used to create my paintings is to start with a dynamic composition which is drawn on archival quality watercolor paper or board. Then, very expressive brushstrokes are used to create either a stormy or cloudy weather pattern. Next, I start on the foreground images working with strong contrasts and dramatic shadows. Lastly, the mountain elements are rendered with emphasized rock crevices and outcroppings.

Rick F. Foulger