Artist of the Month November 2018

Deena Ball

Havertown, PA

Deena's love of nature, science and art comes together when she paints outside. She is a student of nature who is constantly amazed at the natural world. She paints to help others see, respect, and conserve the beauty in our natural world.

Seek the sacred within the ordinary. Seek the remarkable within the commonplace.   R. Nachman

Teaching Artist Statement - Recently a student in one of my adult beginning watercolor classes sent me an email detailing how when unpacking their groceries they were struck by the vibrant hues and textures of their weekly vegetables. They were so moved by the play of light through the kitchen window and their new-found appreciation of color, that they started a painting of the produce that afternoon. Art is all around us, and we are all artists when we open our eyes to the beauty in our surroundings. Throughout my thirty plus years of teaching experience, that is the message that I strive to impart to all of my students. Through my own work with experimental watercolors I present the viewer with the beauty and fragility of our natural landscape. In my paintings, I am constantly testing new materials and techniques, incorporating textural elements such as gesso, and trying different types of paper. In the classroom whether working with paint, clay, or recycled materials I encourage students to engage in outside-the-box thinking and reimagine how their materials might be used to create art. I have experience teaching the full range of art mediums, including print making and graphic design, but I am most at home teaching drawing and painting. I enjoy teaching a wide range of ages, from toddlers to adults, and I have experience working with specialized populations including adults suffering from traumatic brain injuries, students with autism spectrum disorder, and disadvantaged youth. Students depart my classes and workshops with not just a pretty object in hand, but a greater appreciation of the visual subtleties in their environment and confidence in themselves as creative individuals.

How and when did you start creating art?

I have always been involved in art, whether it was teaching children’s and adult classes, doing graphic design, or drawing and painting for myself. 

What media and genres do you work in?

I love the challenges of Plein air watercolor. The unpredictable nature of the media challenges me to embrace its’ spontaneity and fluidity. Painting outside where one can feel the wind, hear the birds and be one with the natural world is one of my great pleasures.

Who or what are your influences?

My inspirational influences have ranged from the students I teach to historical greats, such as John Singer Sargent and Vincent Van Gogh. Some of my current favorite inspirational artists are Wolf Kahn, Tony Allain, Ray Balkwill, Alvaro Castagnet, Joseph Raffael and Julian Merrow Smith.

What was your inspiration for Fisher’s Hill?

Fisher's Hill was as done as part of the Farm to Table Plein Air project in Chester County, PA. Theowners of this property chose to protect it through a Brandywine Conservancy easement. I was able find a spot to paint where I could see for a distance and be inspired by the rolling landscape. Being outdoors gives me a feeling of peace and serenity, daily cares melt away and I am truly “in the moment.”

Describe your creative process?

When I arrive at a painting location, I walk around with a sketch book in hand looking for interesting shapes and patterns in the landscape. I complete several small black and white simple shape drawings. I use these to decide on my composition and then complete a small sharpie pen and color pencil drawing. The color pencil drawing is layered and helps me think about my color scheme in a manner similar to the watercolor painting process. After I complete these steps, I am ready to paint. For the painting “Fisher’s Hill” only a basic drawing was necessary. The painting was completed on location. Many times, the hardest thing about painting on site is stopping myself before I put in way too much information and leave nothing up to the eye of the viewer.

What are you working on currently?

I am working on painting landscapes, both in the studio from drawings done on site, as well as painting on location. I am also teaching an advanced painting class about using restrictions to ignite creativity. I am currently placing restrictions on my own artistic expression in an effort to tell the viewer the essentials and no more. I find paintingsthat are done in this manner are easier to add an emotional feeling to which resonates with theviewer.

What are your near/long term goals as an artist?

Where can people view/purchase your work (gallery, website, etc)?

My artwork is available at art fairs and regional shows throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. On November 31, and December 1 and 2, my studio will be open as part of HOST -Havertown Open Studio Tour. The best place to learn about current exhibitions and shows is at www.deenasball.com .