I saw a couple of Valerie Winterholler’s paintings recently at the High Desert Museum near Bend, Oregon. Her art was part of the Art of the West exhibit. There were quite a few stunning pieces in the show, but her paintings really jumped out at me.
There is just something really wonderful about these abstract landscapes. You get a sense of place, you get the weight of the land, yet you also get the feeling that there is something more surrounding us.
These spaces are calm and open, but still hold mystery and wonder. I really love them.
Valerie says on her website:
I strive to create imagery that will invite people to take a deep breath, drop their shoulders and let down their guard.
For me, looking at these paintings, she has succeeded.