Madeline T. Dukes
Creeks, clouds, interiors, and the figure serve as the primary subjects of my oil paintings. Although, I complete most work within my studio, I employ an interactive process of observation in nature in order to capture color, form, and most importantly light. For me, this is where the painting begins—outside or from live models. I paint, sketch, photograph, make notes, and review what I’ve seen. Then, I take all of these observations into the “indoor” studio.
I begin each painting as a portrait, so to speak. I am fascinated by the movement between the subject and its environment. Nothing is still. Something kinetic is always going on between the two and I want to communicate that as well as capture the personality of the subject, the day, and the light.
I work mostly in oils and oil stick. My brush and palette knife work ranges from thick to thin on any given painting and I will layer, scratch, scrape, and make marks to portray the energy of the subject. I “construct” with the paint and I am always determined to combine the technical issues of painting with the process of painting intuitively. My intention is to marry the two processes, use the tools (paint, brushes, etc.) I have, and ultimately render an excitingly modern perspective of nature onto canvas.