Stefanie Silverman
Landscapes in Pastel
Upper Montclair New Jersey

I have always felt a strong connection to nature—it is something that defines who I am. I find joy in so many things I experience outdoors, both the large--oceans, mountains, skies--and the small--insects, seashells, leaves. I grew up in a creative household and have taken many art classes and worked in different mediums throughout my life. However it was only when I discovered pastels that I became truly passionate about creating art and exhibiting my work. I felt an immediate love for the medium—the sensation of using pieces of pure, vibrant pigment to paint, directly and quickly, my impressions of a landscape. I found pastels to be the perfect way to express my love of nature.

I am fortunate to live in a place where I can experience the different colors, shapes, and weather of the changing seasons. Being outdoors fills me with inspiration as I see colorful autumn leaves in the sunlight, bare winter branches against a blue sky, tiny yellow-green leaves emerging on spring trees, the intense green of summer landscapes. My other senses are excited as well, by the scent in the air after rain, the sounds of birds, a warm breeze. I paint a particular landscape because something about the place or moment speaks to me. I enjoy feeling connected to the landscape as I make it come to life on paper. And I enjoy seeing the emotional response from people who recognize a scene that they feel connected to, or who have perhaps been made more aware and appreciative of the beautiful natural world around us that they had taken for granted.