Artist Statement M. Lisa Ford

When I paint my aim is to capture an essence and spirit of a place, thing, or person. Sometimes this will play out as more representational other times more abstract. A blending of abstraction and realism, the idea is creating a vibe, responding emotionally with color, shape, line and light. Small scale watercolors capture the essence on sight spontaneously without much thought. Using all my senses I respond to the sight, sound, feel, and smell. These on sight works stand alone and sometimes serve as inspiration in the studio for larger more conceptual pieces. I approach plein-air oils in the same manner where a representational with abstract quality of color shape, and line create the space.

These oil paintings selected for this Figurative Exhibition were created in the studio inspired and interpreted from my plein-air watercolor small works of my favorite places and stays.

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Bio

After ending her 30 years of public school teaching in a Philadelphia, PA mainline suburb, Lisa frequently visits France (now with a long stay-visa) and California which inspires her painting while continuing to exhibit, dance and perform. She received an MA in Art Education at University of the Arts with a thesis on interdisciplinary arts, a grant recipient from Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and earned another MA in Theatre at Villanova University. Lisa also studied painting extensively at The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and performed in theatre, ballet, flamenco, and argentine tango at various Philadelphia schools, theaters and studios
Lisa received an award in painting from juror Nelson Shanks, founder of Studio Incamminati, Philadelphia. Lisa continued contributing to the education of Art as consultant and teaching artist for the Crossing Boundaries Program at the new opening and location of the Barnes Foundation on Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia. Lisa’s interdisciplinary approach to life is evident in her art. She paints and exhibits her works in the Philadelphia, New York City, Southern California, Paris, France and London, England.

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