Fine Art/Craft

Paintings from Nature/Ellen Armstrong
ArtMinders

Friday, July 2, 2010, to Monday, August 2, 2010
Daily 9-6,Reception 7-16,6-8p.m.
Willow Lake Club Gallery

Artist Statement

Walking through the woods, fields and hills of our great out-of-doors
fills me with inspiration and renews and refreshes my spirit. Finding a special “space” within the landscape brings an uplifting moment into my life, causing me to want to share that moment with others. That is why I paint the visions that God shares with me through his creation.

More than anything, I enjoy the moments out in the field when I can find an inner peace and tranquility through the fresh air and beauty I find there. Often we do not find enough time to spare those moments in our busy lives.

I have been able to take students from Western Michigan University to Michigan’s islands for an “Outdoor Encounter” class, when we can
“find the time” to set aside phones, schedules and everyday pressures –
and let God’s creation have an impact on our thinking and creativity.

I incorporate wildlife into my work, but in a subtle way. Rather than
being the focus of my paintings, I am painting the wildlife in the scene, as you would find them out in the field. Usually one must be quiet and drink in the scene bit by bit before the wildlife even make an impact on the viewer. This is how I have been introducing them into the painting, in a quiet and serene way.

Be still and find the tranquility you need for tomorrow.

Ellen Armstrong


Ellen Armstrong has an M.F.A. from Western Michigan University, and is the Graduate Advisor for the Gwen Frostic School of Art at WMU, and the instructor for Outdoor Encounter Studio WMU Backpacking/painting/photography classes to the Islands of South Manitou, North Manitou and Isle Royale. She also has a studio in Plainwell, Michigan, and has had numerous exhibitions, including one at the Kalamazoo Nature Center. For more information, go to www.ellensatelier.com


Art Minders Upcoming Events:

Paintings by Ellen Armstrong, will be on display at the Willow Lake Gallery at Parkview Hills, July 2-August 2. Reception for the

Participants:
Art Minders

For More Information

Art Minders
3300 Woodstone Drive East #308
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Kalamazoo, MI 49008

E-mail: Alicegd5@aol.com
Phone: 269-372-4616