Catherine Tuttle Artist Statement

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Updated: 5.31.2009

CATHERINE TUTTLE

My intention in painting is to describe my personal response to the natural world. I am inspired to paint my feelings about places that I visit, hike, or experience in some way. My subjects include the shapes made by the action of water rising and receding in tidal marshes, the changing weather in rugged mountain ranges, and the colors and complexity of layers of petals in a peony blossom.

I paint in watercolor and oil, and print monotypes as well. The one flower I paint in watercolor each year is the peony. I grow peonies in my garden and marvel each spring at the abundance and delicate beauty of the blossoms. I gather armfuls and surround myself with them for a few weeks. The layers of petals are a delightful challenge to paint, and I get to enjoy their rose like fragrance while I work.

The inspiration for some of the tidal marsh paintings at the Wentworth Coolidge Art Center show is a particular bend in the Oyster River one can see while driving Route 4. I enjoy painting tidal areas because of the quality of light reflected in the water, the changing shapes of mud flats, and the designs made by the zigzagging, receding lines of the river as it winds back in space.

Included in this show are monotypes of islands made of blocky, rock shapes. I enjoy the process of making monotypes; I approach it much like painting. To make the prints, I paint on polycarbonate plates with Akua Kolor inks, and run the plate with paper through an etching press. Pulling the print is always a surprise, and each monotype is made with multiple layers, and many passes through the press.

The White Mountains of New Hampshire are the inspiration for many of my paintings. I have hiked all of the 48 mountains in New Hampshire, each with heights over 4,000 feet. Each trail I journeyed on was exhilarating and exhausting, presented new challenges and well-earned great views. Always impressive is the changeable weather of the mountains, with a moment of bright sun and passing clouds changing to a skyline of impending, threatening storm. I am always struck by the drama in the rugged immensity of the rocky summits, steep trails, and hardy wilderness forests. In this series of paintings, I have tried to capture some of the beauty and austerity of the White Mountains.

I am attracted to painting because there is always something to strive for, be it a better picture, improved technique, or a landscape that would make a great subject for a strong composition. Being an artist has intrinsic rewards and enriches my everyday existence.