Introducing: Ariane Luckey
It has been such a joy to show the work of Litchfield County-based artist, Ariane Luckey, here at The Willard Gallery these last few months. The paintings we’ve had on view in our space - her architectural landscapes - are largely inspired by her yearly trips to the Maine coast and the bucolic, rolling hills of rural Connecticut that she and her family call home.
Ariane speaks so beautifully and thoughtfully about her work, describing perfectly how the details in her paintings are scrubbed away and reduced to an impression, a memory. Her French mother and grandfather were also plein air painters and she barely remembers a time before she, too, picked up a paintbrush. Read on for more from Ariane - her process, her favorite artists, how she spends her time outside of the studio, and more.
How do you typically describe your landscape paintings?
My landscape paintings are about a sense of place but not about creating an image to represent the place. They are an impression. Blurred, as if in motion. Passing by.
What drives you to create?
Shapes, shadows, color, mood, light catch my eye as I pass through the beautiful pastoral countryside I am lucky enough to live in. The impressions of a moment in time stay with me, and become the kernel of an idea. A remembered landscape held in my heart and mind. What starts out as a reference to a specific place and moment in time is transformed by my process of abstraction.
What does your process look like?
My process usually starts with a quick charcoal thumbnail sketch, loose and legible (probably only to me). If possible, I like to paint a preliminary study on location with a direct and spontaneous response to the moment.
My color studies, on panel and recently, on paper, come next. I work quickly and often in series. Back in the studio, it is all about staying Ioose and holding onto the initial inspiration, losing edges (and then finding some of them again).
How does the Litchfield County landscape influence your work?
The barns, rolling hills, meadows, trees, cows that grace the landscape feel like heaven and I am grateful to be passing through. All of it inspires me.
What feelings do you hope your work might evoke for a first time viewer?
I hope my paintings would evoke a memory of a place, a moment, a feeling.
How do you know when a work is finished?
That is a good question. It is a mysterious part of the process. Personally, I love the loose unfinished piece of a painting as much as the resolved corner. I like seeing the hand of the artist involved. It is a game of chicken.
Who are your favorite artists?
My favorite artists are Edward Hopper (landscapes), Robert Henri, Diebenkorn’s California landscapes, Wolf Kahn, Andrew Wyeth’s Maine watercolors, Morandi, Bonnard, Vuillard, Fairfield Porter, Edwin Dickinson, Albert York. Recently have been looking at Nicolas de Stael’s works. I could go on and on.
Favorite museum?
Musée D’Orsay
Are there places you’d like to visit someday specifically to paint?
Anywhere along the Maine coast.
How do you spend your time when you’re not painting?
Making sure my two Jack Russell terriers have the best day possible, every day. Taking long walks with my husband on country roads. Spending time with my two grown children whenever possible. Gardening, cooking for family and friends. Hiking. Reading. Thinking about what the paintings in the studio need.
A big thank you to Ariane Luckey for her thoughtful, insightful answers. Be sure to follow along with Ariane’s work on Instagram and keep an eye out for more new work arriving from her Connecticut studio later this fall.
