Martha Parisi Dirksen
It’s simple, really: I paint what inspires me. When I see something so astonishing, so thrilling that it takes my breath away, I want to capture it in a painting. That’s it. There’s no great message; no exploration; no presumption of making the world better. I want my paintings to transport you to another place and time, thereby transforming you from observer to participant. As a ‘scape artist, I capture those scenes that had a profound impact on me: the sky right before a deluge; a crashing, stormy sea; a dramatic interplay of light and color. I want to hold on to that vision which evoked such an emotional response within me. When I retired and began to pursue my passion, I focused on land- and cloud-scapes. Over the years, I turned my attention to the sea. To me, the sea is hypnotic like a blazing fire, alluring and seductive, inviting me to peer beyond the surface. Each wave feels like a crooked finger, beckoning me closer as it rumbles and rolls toward land. To capture both the depth and luminescence of a scene, I paint with oils and use glazing techniques to reflect the light and compel you to return. So if when you look at one of my paintings, you feel the storm’s weight pressing on the horizon and smell a sweet pungency in the air, then I have succeeded in capturing that moment. If the sound of waves drowns the beating of your heart and you can taste the saltiness in the mist, then I have succeeded. My passion is to catch both a moment and a feeling in a way that will pull you into the scene, stirring your senses over and over again. I hope my art touches your soul.
updated 11/2019
