Jean LeCluyse
My background in scientific illustration, attraction to subjects from the natural world and an inclination toward intuitive imagery come together in mysterious ways in my work. My paintings begin with a loose idea that evolves over time. They are highly textural and look like the may have been constructed rather painted. When I am painting, anything can find its way onto the canvas; acrylics, pastels, gels, beeswax, and colored pencil as well as puzzle pieces, dried flowers and feathers. I work on a painting until by some 'serendipitous coincidence' an image begins to emerge. Forms and figures are tweaked and refined until I am satisfied that the painting is done.
My drawings, on the other hand, require sketches and lots of pre-planning. They are narrative, representational and richly detailed. I work in either graphite or colored pencil.
In going back and forth between these very different ways of working I find that the detailed, representational drawings keep my basic drawing skills intact and allow me to develop the images that emerge from my paintings. Conversely, the more intuitive attitude in my painting enhances my drawings with a more spiritual attitude and frees me to include the unexpected and take risks with composition that I would not otherwise.
I see that these seemingly disparate ways of making art will evolve and eventually merge. The sense of adventure and discovery inherent in this process is very rewarding and makes me grateful for every minute in my studio.
