Danna Brackenbury
Bailey's Ledge II
Bailey's Ledge II
oil on linen
16" X 20"
2009
16" X 20"
2009
January 17 through February 5, 2010
Danna Brackenbury and John W. McDonough: New Paintings
Danna BrackenburyDanna Brackenbury and John W. McDonough: New Paintings
Artist’s Statement
My artwork is evolving from single objects, including still lifes and portraits, to places such as land and seascapes. Although I am introducing new subjects, my focus remains the same – capturing nature’s essence. While using traditional methods in oil and watercolor, I try to capture the sublime. I paint on site so that I can feel the wind, hear the birds, and smell the air. There is a rhythm to nature that is slow, but ever changing, and I feel so privileged to be a part of it.
Ever since John Ingle, my beginning drawing teacher, said, “let your hand dance across the paper,” I have been hooked on art. Those early years were spent getting acquainted with materials, techniques, philosophies of art and its historical perspectives. The deeper my understanding became, the more I saw the role of the artist as using their language of choice to describe the world and their place in it. As a visual artist, a painter, my language is color, line, form, texture, space and light.
I have chosen representational oil painting for a number of reasons. It is the most widely understood method. There is a deep and rich history of its development. It also allows me a chance to explore abstract design elements within a recognizable framework, pictures of people, places and things.
As an artist of today, my task is to explore and then communicate ideas about being human. I see the world as a balance of opposites, light and dark, positive and negative, warm and cool. I paint my landscapes on site. I try to convey not only the look of the place, but also the feel of it. In my still lifes, I also try to capture the essence of everyday objects. By manipulating design, color and atmosphere, I hope to not only make a pleasing picture, but also to capture the essence of a place, person or thing.
Once an artist learns the ‘language’ of their craft that is when they can begin working to communicate to the outside world their interpretations. It gives me great joy and satisfaction to spend my time committed to this endeavor.
John McDonough
Biography
John W. McDonough is a native Rhode Islander, residing in the city of Warwick, where he keeps busy participating in a variety of activities, ranging from swimming regularly to singing in a German choir. His paintings, chiefly inspired by the New England outdoor scene, are in the traditional manner, with subjects ranging from rugged landscapes to idyllic still lifes. Many of his works are inspired by his travels abroad, to such locations as the British Isles, Ireland and Bermuda.
McDonough is the past president of the East Greenwich Art Club and the Rhode Island Watercolor Society. He is a longtime member of the Providence Art Club.
A veteran of World War II and the Korean War, he spent forty-two devoted years as a member of the Army, retiring in 1981. His undying patriotism keeps him active in many civic and veterans’ organizations.
McDonough spent much of his spare time as a member of the Rhode Island Track and Field Association, from which he recently retired after forty years of committed service. He is a former national commander of the 43rd Infantry Division Veterans Association.
McDonough now devotes his free time to painting in watercolor and oils, which he thoroughly enjoys. His paintings can be found in many private homes, businesses and corporate collections.