Weather Patterns: Recent Landscapes

Artist Statement

I use landscapes as a journey and stage for the drama of light, air and movement. I attempt to see past the structured spaces into the otherworldly qualities of the landscape. I am intrigued by the way light plays on natural forms, energizing and describing turbulence. There is a mystery in the dynamics of light and atmosphere in contrast to the solid landscape planes.

Red Alarm, Monotype on Paper, 15″x20″ by Kellyann Monaghan.
The stormy weather and powerful climate conditions permeating the landscape have become a natural and more recent trajectory in my painting. The surface of the landscape paintings erupts with textured and expressive gestural marks, which are depictions of the radical weather events. I find unexpected beauty out of the destructive qualities of the weather. The weather is an instinctive inspiration for my tendencies as an “alla prima” painter.

I aim to maintain an element of spontaneity and directness in the paint and print. A fluid and spontaneous quality in every paint stroke are very important to me. I primarily work all prima both in painting and in the monotype printmaking process. I edit, emphasize and exaggerate structural and organic forms. In the monotype process, I utilize the subtractive approach where each mark reveals light, form and texture. The process allows for idiosyncratic and unexpected painterly qualities to occur.

The nuances of light, atmosphere and weather generate constant awe, yet sometimes fear and surprise. At times the awe is when you are hoping to see it and in other moments it is a surprise in revealing spaces. The painting process is not just an analytical process for me but is a revelation in every visual moment.