Maeve Croghan

Artist Statement

I begin my paintings outside in nature. I initially scout for a location and subject which has meaning for me,  and then return to that site to paint. There, I am influenced by the all the elements. This affects my painting and the feeling I put into the paintings. Being at the site allows me to deeply experience the nature subject as I am painting it.  

I like to explore how humans affect nature and how nature lives in it's environments, with or without much human influence. Often, I am attracted to aged forms of life - old trees and vines or massive rocks have a kind knowledge beyond human understanding. And the delicate beauty of a wildflower and a field of grasses has equal allure.

My paintings are completed in the studio. At this point, I work from memory and feeling. As the work evolves, it sometimes changes from the original scene, taking on its own life. The painting eventually becomes a memory of my experience with the environment. There is a deep personal connection with each painting which always remains with me.