Capturing the essence of a landscape by land or water. I am motivated to paint from the totality of the experience — fieldwork, memories, observation and body movement. My art is about a female’s perspective in the outdoors. Intermingling with themes of capability, strength, fear, and skewed value systems. Lessons learned from quieting doubt and bearing elements fuel my desire to share those stories through paint.

“It is a landscape. That reminds me there is more than words and jobs and demands. It reminds me of the possibility that within me lies. A similar vast open quiet wilderness. Here, I am not reduced by the vastness. I am enlarged by it. I do not need to escape. I simply need to step outside.” CMarie Fuhrman

Preliminary acts of doing are equally important as the final processes. Utilizing acts like plein-air encourage connection with the ephemeral or film enabling the instant capture of changing landscapes while quickly moving through.

Slower work in the studio developed from reference material, provides space and time for a more considered composition. My goal is to create visually confident marks that are ‘un-fussed.’ I focus on painting loose and thoughtfully intentional – creating gestural forms, shapes and values. I work fast. However, time can often range from a week up to years in between the inspiration and the inception of a piece. Using elements of drawing in my works and a process of thinned oil paint on canvas or paper I invent abstracted environments that are familiar but not literal. Works that may be described as underpaintings - purposefully lacking distinctness to inspire curiosity and viewer engagement.

My work embodies elements of playfulness, risk and diligence– to me, three important pillars to hold present while in a landscape. Each piece motivates the next, fostering a continuous pattern of discovery and self-challenge.