Ghost Ranch Sunset 2013
photo by liza myers

It’s all about the light.

Light forms my world. It visually defines the shapes of things, tells me the time of day, sets the tone and mood of the hour and gives me cause for celebration and wonder at sunrise and sunset.

In art it’s all about light.

Whether it’s dance, drama, photography, poetry, painting or sculpture, light allows our eyes to imagine or perceive what the artist conceives. With a skillful eye and hand, light creates drama and emotion.

creating Supper at Emmaus, oil on canvas, Carravagio, 1606

Chiaoscuro literally means light-dark. In the painting at the left, The Supper at Emmaus, Caravaggio uses extreme contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of drama and mystery. This painting is 405 years old! It’s not a new idea!

James Turrell, a contemporary artist, creates uplifting and inspiring form by creating spaces which redirect and reveal natural light.

James Turrell, architectural installation, The Color Inside.

His work is stunningly complex and simple at the same time. I saw an exhibit of his at the Whitney Museum in NYC many years ago that filled me with joy and changed my life. I am sure that is his intention.

Six Eggs, acrylic on canvas, 15″ x 30″ ©lizamyers, private collection (be sure to click on this one to see the full image.)

In my paintings I use light to illuminate what is important, and darkness to create contrast and drama. It’s all about the drama.

Every day is a gift of light and shadow.

Be sure to enjoy it!

Fragile Dawn, acrylic on canvas, 30″ x 66″ ©liza myers, painting available