Oil Paintings
by Annie Guthrie Gudis

I'm intrigued by the relationship between earth and sky. Clouds are in constant motion and I’m fascinated by this abstract ballet whether over beaches, barns or skyscrapers. My paintings are traditionally crafted layered oils on canvas. I begin with a blank white surface on which I apply a multi-colored ground which causes the next layers to really sing.

Next I mix paint: my favorite task. Working with exquisite Windsor Newton and Old Holland paint is like squeezing jewels from tubes. The palette is often shades of blue. I establish the light source and flavor the clouds with yellows, pinks and violet appropriate to the time of day, season and weather.

My inspiration in sparked by gazing at the heavens over salt ponds and seagrass and from laughing gulls, egrets and eagles that I meet at the beach off season. My passion to paint is ignited by the views from the Brooklyn/Queens Expressway, the GW Bridge, or the farms of Delaware and Virginia, and practically everywhere I travel.

The work of Michelangelo has always informed mine and I have twice traveled to Italy where I was fortunate to see the Sistine Chapel both before and after cleaning restoration. I am also moved by the paintings of Vermeer, Edward Hopper, and many others. I paint the things I love to see. It’s as simple as that.

I welcome commission projects to suit a particular environment or location. Enjoy!