Painting is quite simply a passion for American impressionist artist Blanche McAlister Harris. A nationally recognized and collected painter with an impressive and growing reputation, she has immersed herself in the study of oil painting, continually refining her own unique style of painting. She has studied oil painting as a protégé in an intensive program with internationally renowned plein air artist Kevin Macpherson for several years and is currently studying with the celebrated international artist Scott Christensen. When she is not in her studio, the artist can usually be found painting "en plein air". Blanche draws inspiration for her paintings from her native southern landscape and from her travels, both in the United States and abroad. The artist's work continues to receive critical acclaim, both nationally and regionally.

Artist's Statement:

Creating shimmering landscapes infused with atmosphere is my aspiration as the oil paint is intuitively stroked on the canvas. Seeing the intriguing interplay of light and shadow in my subject intensifies my awareness of the luminous colors that are influenced by the constantly changing light. Luscious, yet organic colors are used to interpret the ephemeral effect of light on color. Color harmony is used to express atmosphere and mood. Shadows are no longer just dark shapes, but are filled with subtle nuances of evocative color. Paint is layered and often scraped away to achieve richness, luminosity, and most importantly to evoke a memory. The layers of paint revealed allude to glimpses into our memory, a sense of longing and spirituality. Painting is about magically capturing the impression of a moment in time that may never again exist, revealing and conveying the transcendent quality of nature.