Artist's Statement
My paintings are about the beauty in nature. I believe that the beauty found in nature enriches our existence. Natural forms, elegant lines, bold colors, and the intrinsic details found in nature are the themes in my work. My most recent paintings explore the interaction between humans and the natural world. Nature is incredibly resilient as it continues to persevere in the face of man-made threats.
When painting I try to represent nature accurately, but also from my own viewpoint. I usually start a painting observing from life, with the subject in front of me. I prefer to work from life for as long as possible, forgoing using photographs in an effort to capture the true essence of my subjects. I use either oil or watercolor in thin transparent layers; this technique creates a luminous glow throughout the piece. My work has been influenced by the “Old Masters”—Italian and Spanish still life painters, and Dutch flower painters. The daily inspiration for my artwork comes from nature—as Albrecht Durer said, “For verily, art is embedded in nature; he who can extract it, has it.”
About the Artist
Bridget Bossart van Otterloo is a painter and teaching artist with over 20 years of experience. She has a degree in Studio Art from Houghton University, and has studied at the Florence Academy of Art in Italy. Bridget moved to Corning in 2002 to work as an apprentice and studio assistant for the late Thomas S. Buechner. Bridget works from her light-filled home studio, where her subjects include still life, flowers, plants, portraits and landscapes painted in oils and watercolor. Her paintings highlight the beauty of our natural world. Bridget has taught art classes at 171 Cedar Arts Center, Corning Community College, museums, libraries, and public schools. Bridget's work can be viewed at several venues including: The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes in Corning, NY; North Star Gallery in Ithaca, NY; Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester, NY; Oxford Gallery in Rochester, NY; and Franklin Street Gallery in Watkins Glen, NY, and The Copper Shop Gallery on the Roycroft Campus in East Aurora, NY.