The vast landscapes of the American West have long inspired artists to capture their majesty and mystery. Kathryn Stedham’s upcoming solo show, "West: Real, Imagined," at Blue Rain Gallery in Santa Fe promises to be a captivating journey through this iconic terrain.
This new series of Western landscape paintings blends Stedham's signature Alla Prima style with intriguing elements from her diverse artistic repertoire, including Academic Realism, Modernism, and pure abstraction.
Stedham’s approach to landscape painting transcends mere geographical representation. Her work transforms into a meditation on life, nature, and the human connection to the physical world.
As Stedham herself explains, “These new pieces also touch on the pre-verbal, sensory, symbolic, and non-literal aspects of my inner and outer worlds. I’m not interested in an accurate representation of a landscape, but rather the experience of that journey.”
In this new collection, each painting captures the essence of a specific moment. Rather than offering a literal portrayal, Stedham distills her experiences into visual poetry. For instance, in "Rain Sheets," an abstracted sky cracks open above a flattened landscape, revealing rain pouring down like sheets on a clothesline.
This visual haiku encapsulates time and space, land and sky, in a way that is both intimate and expansive.
Another standout piece, "Desert Trio," defies traditional landscape conventions by omitting the sky. The painting’s warm, inviting palette and detailed elements, such as tufts of grass in the arroyo and trees on a ledge, bring an impressionistic touch to the scene. The trio of horses appears more realistic, adding depth and a sense of connection to the piece. The colors and moods breathe life into the landscape, creating a profound sense of belonging.
For Stedham, each painting is an unpredictable journey. “Every painting is like a journey. I don’t know where I’m going, but I enjoy the discovery process. I don’t start with a fixed idea; I just see where the painting takes me. That way, each image stands on its own and represents that moment in time,” she shares.
This approach allows her to explore the interplay between the real and the imagined, inviting viewers to embark on their own journeys through her work.
"West: Real, Imagined" will be on display at Blue Rain Gallery from July 12 through July 26. The opening reception on July 12 from 5 PM to 7 PM offers an opportunity to meet Kathryn Stedham and experience her latest creations firsthand. This exhibition is not just a showcase of Western landscapes but an invitation to explore the deeper connections between art, nature, and the human spirit.
Don't miss the chance to witness Kathryn Stedham's masterful blend of style and substance in "West: Real, Imagined." Whether you're an art aficionado or a lover of the Western landscape, this show promises to be an unforgettable experience.
View all of Kathryn's available work HERE
544 South Guadalupe Street
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
(505) 954-9902
