Using color and shape, artist Dorothy Fagan paints impressionistic landscapes that convey a sense of light, joy and serenity. Learn more about this artist by visiting her website.
“Embraced” Oil, 40” x 30”
Emotional color is the foundation of my painting. Working in oil, watercolor and pastel, my process is an intuitive, color-sensing method I developed with pastel early in my career. With hundreds of colors laid out on the pastel palette—like keys on a piano—each painting becomes a jazz improv that transforms feelings to simultaneous exhilaration and peace.
“Buckets of Love” Oil, 24” x 36”
Painting in pastel for twenty-five years, I was recognized by the Pastel Society of America shortly after graduating with a BFA in Printmaking and Painting from East Carolina University.
“Harmony Within” Oil, 20” x 16”
My approach of balancing colors on the paper continued after a life-threatening assault in my studio. As I fought to regain equilibrium, I discovered a much deeper force at work in my art than color and design aesthetics.
“Guardians of Peace” Oil, 48” x 36”
Emotional release of pain revealed strokes of color, character and intensity unknown to me. Confronting the Creator’s hand in my own, like a deer in the headlights, I froze. It took six years. To begin painting again, I took my easel out on the coastal marsh near my home in Mathews County, Virginia.
“Goddess Laughing” Oil, 40” x 30”
Painting en plein air, the Creator showed me how to interpret symbols in the world around me. Painting with my feet in the sand, between water and sky, I developed a new understanding of my artistry as a bridge. I began using my blank canvas as a form of prayer. With each I prayed for peace, “show me how.”
“Thin Space” Pastel, 24” x 18”
Taking dictation from the Creator, I learned to accept each brushstroke as a gift. Not to mess with it but to accept it as gift given, however imperfect it may appear. This practice flexed my Faith muscle. Growing stronger, I was able to accept myself, however imperfect as “Faith” the name I’d chosen at Confirmation.
“Serenity” Pastel, 30” x 22”
A residency at Musee de La Grande Vigne in Dinan, France transformed my palette and approach. A split-complementary palette of six colors replaced hundreds. Three primary colors, warm and cool of each, focused my process on creating radiance. Picking up a watercolor palette shifted my approach from opaque to transparent, instigating the inversion of reality and dreams.
“Heartland” Plein Air Watercolor, 12” x 9”
On three painting residencies in Italy, I sought to absorb the Italian lifestyle into my art and life. In Tuscany and Sorrento, I painted en plein air watercolor and oil. Jewel tones, pastels and earth colors repositioned themselves on my palette, as I discovered the chakra connections to this pure spectrum palette. The radiance, vigor and vitality you see reflected in these paintings are evidence of love and acceptance seeping into my palette.
“Marina Grande” Plein Air Watercolor, 12” x 9”
Until now I have never been able to speak of my trauma without it dominating the Creator’s message of radiance within. Thank you for the opportunity to share the Creator’s purpose of my artistry. With this, I welcome opportunities to reach new audiences.
“October Light” Plein Air Watercolor, 12” x 9”
I have begun publishing Joy’s Garden art, books and journals. My YouTube channel offers weekly videos, how to mix colors, chakras, and spirituality.
Artist Dorothy Fagan invites you to follow her on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
I am in awe of the design and breathtaking color of these paintings. What an inspiration! Dorothy Fagan’s book Joy’s Garden (Vol. 1) was an inspiration as well. She has several books now: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=dorothy+fagan