Diana K. Gibson

Recently I rediscovered drawing and it has been a delight to return to the basics! As of late plaster life casts have been the focus of study and they are wonderful to learn from.  If anything that I have learned from my drawing foray and I say foray cheekily, is that one must really understand not only how to create linear elements but also know how to model and shape through a multitude of black and white values.  I now have a broader understanding and a greater appreciation of just how difficult drawing can be and in some cases some drawings can require as much time to execute as a painting!

The results are in and I am happy to announce that I am one of five finalists for the American Artist Showcase Your State: New Jersey plein air competition!  To view the American Artist on-line article just click on this link -> "Showcase Your State: New Jersey Winners."  Thanks to all of you for your support and vote of confidence!  :) Congrats to the other finalists!  You rock! FINALIST #5: DIANA K. GIBSON (from Ringwood, New Jersey) Springtime in the NJ Highlands by Diana K. Gibson, 2006, oil, 18 x 14 In the Words of the Artist: "The New Jersey Botanical Garden (NJBG), in Ringwood, New Jersey, is one of my favorite places to paint in the spring.  Each spring a week prior to the bloom, I drive through the NJBG observing the buds on the cherry blossom trees.  Often, the buds show no signs of blooming.  Then, as if by magic, the buds burst into flower overnight and within a week drop their petals.  I was walking about the gardens looking for a subject to paint when ...