Catherine Twomey LLC

Deeply moved by natural earth forces, I started this series with a new approach to applying fluid paint to landscapes. It’s become more entrenched then that, with a look at the primordial forces beneath the mountains, trees and oceans. It’s a consideration of the fact that humans can’t control everything, but that we can affect the earth in a profound way.

Something that I need to add that sets this series and other recent work apart: I am determined to let nature and animals loosen me up. I was trained and had a career as a medical illustrator. Nothing could be more wonderful, but more constraining at the same time! I enjoyed the career but my own vision is working its way out, slowly but surely. The freedom is profound but terrifying at the same moment, but when it works, it works.

There is a Manifesto of the earth, and then there is this, a manifesto for the most wonderful creatures of that earth. I’m starting with horses because I ride, except right now I have to have my third surgery on my left leg and can’t ride until the spring at the earliest. If that isn’t on the agenda, then painting my muses is the next best thing.

This series starts with some careful, controlled studies of the anatomy of the horse in a Renaissance style. The plan is to continue the studies, but add in a great deal of looseness and dynamic movement.

I have big plans. Many more animals. All in due time.

Most of these landscapes were painted plein air, on site, outside. They were the basis for the Manifesto Series. I occasionally return to plein air to reestablish roots and to remember how nature feels.