Golden Gate Splendor
I decided to feature the perspective from Crissy Field, which is located in the historic Presidio (Spanish for fortified settlement) of San Francisco. This popular beach and picnic area is located on the site of a former airfield used by the U.S. Army from 1921 until it was decommissioned in 1994. Nowadays, the only flying taking place at Crissy Field is from the numerous shorebirds and kite surfers skimming across the waters in the bay. The reliable breezes flowing through the Golden Gate also attract sailboats, which can be found most days navigating these iconic waters. The Presidio has become one of my favorite places to bring friends and family. It is a wonderful place to walk, picnic and explore with stunning views in almost any direction.
Contact the artist: Lucy@LucyLiewArt.com
Or see the artist’s website: www.LucyLiewArt.com
Width: 48in
Lucy Liew
I paint vibrant uplifting compositions of California flora and fauna because I am inspired by the beauty of the ordinary that is often overlooked in nature. My works evoke a sense of intimacy and childlike wonder through magical compositions featuring low vantage points and close-up detail. This interplay between the foreground elements and background images or patterns allows me to weave themes of resilience and adaptation into the story of each painting.
Wildflowers are one of my favorite storytelling elements; they represent hope and tenacity in the face of challenges. Thriving in diverse conditions through droughts and wildfires – they are survivors. California’s stately oaks introduce a theme of quiet strength and perseverance. “Grandmother Oaks” are hundreds of years old and become important landmarks to give a sense of time and place. Hummingbirds and pollinators bring life and movement to the composition as well as conveying symbiosis and harmony.
My paintings begin to take shape in my mind, before I set foot in my studio. Nature is my “incubator” for new ideas as I gather photos during hikes through California’s parks and open spaces. In many cases, a story emerges from a scene or an encounter that I experience while hiking. At other times, a story emerges as I research the plants and wildflowers that I discover. Once the narrative is established, I make small sketches in pencil and watercolor using my photographic references to introduce and arrange elements, focusing on line, shape, form, color, and space to develop my composition.
I start with large brushes and broad strokes to apply a color wash underpainting to the canvas to develop depth and tonal value. Next, the narrative elements are introduced onto the canvas. A sense of movement, depth and fluidity is imparted through layers of vertical lines of varying lengths and intensity. The composition is further developed and refined until the vision in my mind is realized. Ultimately, I hope to draw the viewer into the narrative of my work, so their life experience becomes part of the story.
Lucy Liew
Email: Lucy@LucyLiewArt.com
Website: www.LucyLiewArt.com
Instagram: lucyliewfineart
Facebook: LucyLiewFineArt
