Cusick, Lori

My process begins on location, with oil paints and canvas in tow. Every
studio paintng has been influenced by painting en plein air. It engages all
of my senses. It allows me to see more subtle colors, and watch the effect
of the wind, clouds, and sun. It also frees me to alter the scale and position
of the subjects in front of me to create far more exciting compositions than
I could working from static photographs alone.

Before I ever pick up a brush, I spend a lot of time looking around, settling
myself, allowing the day’s painting to reveal itself to me. Sometimes I’ll
paint the big, wide-open space and other times, a tight, little spot. Once
committed, I begin sketching directly onto a canvas, building contrast and
monochromatic tonal values along the way. Eventually, my subjects’
personalities appear, and the real fun begins. After contouring the big
forms, I begin boldly applying color with swift, fluid strokes to bring my
vision to life.

My goal is never to replicate, but to transform what I see into a vibrant,
stylized interpretation that draws people in, engages their imagination,
and allows them to dream a little with every view.
I paint because it grounds me. It’s my passion and my escape.
Transforming that passion into art that brings people joy, and gives them a
new perspective of the world around them, is my purpose and the reason I love what I do.