Mercedes Gilbert
Mercedes Gilbert is an oil painter who was first inspired to paint several years ago during an artist residency for photography on an island off the coast of Maine. She met several painters during her 5-week stay, and was intrigued by their ability to see colors and tones that she didn't notice. She wanted to see the way they did. Shortly after her time on the island, she began painting. She still uses her photography for images to paint from. She paints mostly in the studio, but also enjoys getting outside and painting plein air. Her experiences as a Maine Guide, traveling in wild, remote places, as well as her adventures and experiences both in and out of the country are all influences on her subject matter and how she chooses to paint. She is inspired by memories, magical moments, joyful experiences, beautiful places, our connection to the natural world, and to each other. Colors also hold memories and feelings for her. She is interested in beauty, but also that hard to define quality that makes an image tell a story or convey a mood or feeling. For her, some of the most exciting parts of the creative process are the element of discovery, exploration and surprise. She begins with an idea she wants to render, and then works intuitively. She loves that she is always growing and learning, even with paintings that aren't successful. She enjoys the freedom and spontaneity she feels when painting on large canvases, and is looking forward to painting even larger in the near future.
