Me & My Art Monday: Gail Higginbotham

By December 1, 2014 Me & My Art

This week’s featured artist:  Gail Higginbotham, member since 2001:

Maine CottageME:  A Maryland native, I spent my summers along the waterfront off Whitehall Creek. My passion for art began as a child – my medium of choice the big box of Crayola crayons, and I still love using this medium. I have upped the quality to Carn d’ache neopastels (oil pastels).  My formal study began at MICA in the early ’70’s. After a few years. I left as a graphic artist, but it was not the right fit. However, the knowledge gained from my short study provided my art foundation for the future.

I eased into a more serious pursuit of my passion studying with the local the artists of Annapolis in the late 1990’s. As result, I have become accredited member of the Maryland Society of Portrait Painters, professional status with the Oil Pastel Society, and instructor in oil pastels.

As a boater, I am elated to have my artwork selected for the Hospice Cup Poster for 2014

photo-6MY ART: Present inspiration derives from my surroundings – water, light, reflections that create distorted abstract shapes. I jumped over to abstracts from representational painting, intending to revert back with a looser painterly style. That just did not happen for me. Art is always a work in progress.

My abstract paintings begin by laying down oil pastel pigments into various shapes, making marks, scribbling using colors that talk to me. I have had success with failed paintings – rubbing and scraping away the pigment. Then I add more colors on top, again scraping away to find past colors underneath. My paintings do take time, thought and the process is a joyful adventure in problem solving. Always asking the question “what if” strive to push past my comfort zone.

MFA & ME: The MFA is a very comfortable environment and a great place to meet like-minded people. From the novice or beginner to the professional, the organization provides exhibition space and opportunities to grow as an artist. Our national exhibitions bring to Annapolis eclectic, contemporary art not on view in any area galleries. I am grateful to our founding members who had the vision 50-some years ago, as well as, our present gallery management, board, and membership who continue to keep this vision innovating and fresh!

In my 13 years as a member, I am excited to be a part of this organization and to have my artwork on view at Circle Gallery.

Spread the word about…YOU:   Every week, we feature an MFA member for “Me & My Art Monday.” If you would like to be featured, please submit a photo and three paragraphs: one each about YOU, YOUR ART, and MFA & YOU totaling approximately 350 words, to meandmyart@mdfedart.org.

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