Judy

Crane

Judy Crane Biography Judy Crane grew up on the west Coast where she graduated from the University of California. In 1980 she moved to North Carolina and resides in Raleigh. It has been during this time in North Carolina, more than 40 years, that her art career has flourished. Originally a watercolorist she has also worked with soft pastels, but has settled into oil painting for the last 20 years. She has studied with prominent artists both in the US and abroad, believing that art is a life long learning process. She shares her knowledge by teaching painting workshops. Her paintings are held in many private and corporate collections including SAS Institute, IBM,Cisco Systems, Glaxo Smith Klein, Duke University Medical Center, UNC Hospital, Rex Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Energy, The State of North Carolina, Wake Forest University Baptist Hospital, the Greater Raleigh Visitors bureau, and many others. She has been commissioned to do paintings for reproduction by IBM, The city of Raleigh Visitor’s Center, The NC Executive Mansion, The City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department and the Raleigh Marriott City center, where her works were reproduced for all 400-guest rooms.

Judy Crane Artist’s Statement I see beauty in the world around me, I chose to see beauty, and I want to create beauty. I believe that what we see is influenced by our frame of reference, our perspective, our worldview. This is often what makes each artist’s work and creative journey unique. Since I am drawn to the beauty of the world around me, it is easy to see why I often paint landscape. I am moved by the visual changes in nature, the seasons, lighting, colors, and shapes. I spent many years painting on location, en plein air, reacting immediately to what has captured my attention and emotions. I now enjoy painting larger and more impressionistic pieces in the studio. My earliest works were softer, subtler, and more timid. As I have matured through my life experiences, I’ve grown more confident in myself, recognizing my capabilities. This confidence has been reflected in my work. I began with soft, high key watercolors, and have progressed to much bolder and more vibrant oils. My work is often larger and more dynamic than in the earlier days of my career. I have a stronger voice. Recently I have been working more intuitively, letting the painting itself guide me more. I may start a piece without a specific subject or plan in mind, and then I work with what develops. This feels more like a conversation with the painting. I do something, make a mark, apply a color, or change a shape, according to my intuitive feel about what is needed. The painting then gives me a clue as to what I should do next. The painting evolves as this conversation develops. I often find that images I am familiar with, tucked away in my subconscious, begin to emerge in my work. 20 years ago I had a large saltwater aquarium which was peaceful, beautiful, calming, and sometimes surprising. I have found this type of imagery appearing in some of my more intuitive work, as well as the landscape images, reflection and structures I have painted and enjoyed for years. I often hear comments from viewers that my paintings feel calm and serene no matter what the subject matter. Perhaps this is the why they are held in so many Hospital, office and home collections.

Oil / Alkyd

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